work on
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To apply effort or attention to a task, problem, or object in order to shape, improve, complete, or solve it.
- To try to persuade or influence someone.
Usage
- Verb (transitive): The verb requires a direct object (the thing or person being focused on).
- He is working on a new novel. (He is applying effort to write it.)
- The mechanic worked on the engine for hours. (The mechanic applied effort to repair it.)
- She needs to work on her pronunciation. (She needs to apply effort to improve it.)
- I'm working on my boss to approve the project. (I am applying effort to persuade my boss.)
Examples
- The scientists are working on a cure for the disease.
- Can you work on this report while I'm in the meeting?
- The team spent the afternoon working on the design prototype.
- He's been working on his grandmother to let him borrow the car.
Advanced Usage
- "to work on the assumption that...": To proceed based on a specific belief or idea.
- We are working on the assumption that the funding will be approved.
- "to have one's work cut out for one" (idiom, often used with "work on"): To face a very difficult task.
- If you want to fix that old house, you have your work cut out for you.
Variants and Related Words
- Work (verb/noun): The general act of applying effort or a task requiring effort.
- Work at (phrasal verb): Very similar to "work on," often used for skills or abstract problems. (e.g., )
Synonyms
- Labor on: To work hard on something.
- Focus on: To direct attention and effort toward.
- Improve: To make something better (a possible result of working on it).
- Persuade: To convince someone (one meaning of "work on").
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Work away at: To work steadily and persistently on something.
- She worked away at the puzzle until it was finished.
- Work through: To deal with a problem or difficult emotions step by step.
- It took time to work through the complex data.
Related Idioms
- Work in progress: Something that is not yet finished and is still being developed or improved.
- The new software is still a work in progress.
- Work one's magic: To use one's skill or charm to successfully improve or fix something.
- Let the chef work his magic on these ingredients.
Verb
- shape, form, or improve a material
- work stone into tools
- process iron
- work the metal
- to exert effort in order to do, make, or perform something
- the child worked at the multiplication table until she had it down cold