14 Phrasal Verbs with “Work”

14 Phrasal Verbs with “Work”

Hello English learners. Welcome to a new lesson. “Work” isn’t just what we do—it’s what we talk about. We can work on a project, work through a problem, or work out at the gym. English is full of expressions that use the word “work” in creative and sometimes surprising ways. In this lesson, we will explore 14 phrasal verbs with “work” that will boost your fluency and help you sound more natural and confident in both everyday conversations and professional settings. These expressions are perfect for students preparing for B2 First or C1 Advanced, as well as anyone looking to expand their vocabulary. Each phrasal verb includes a clear meaning, a natural example sentence and notes where needed to avoid common mistakes.

So, let’s get to work!

Work out

Meaning 1: to do physical exercise

• She works out at the gym three times a week to stay in shape.

Meaning 2: to find a solution or understand something

• Don’t worry, we’ll work out the problem together.

Work on

Meaning: to spend time improving or developing something

• He’s working on his pronunciation to sound more natural in English.

14 Phrasal Verbs with “Work”

Work up (to something)

Meaning: to gradually prepare yourself for something challenging

• She was nervous at first, but eventually worked up to giving full presentations.

Work up (an appetite/courage/anger)

Meaning: to develop a feeling or condition

• I walked for two hours and worked up quite an appetite!

Work through

Meaning: to deal with a difficult problem or situation step by step

• He’s still working through the loss of his job, but he’s staying positive.

Work towards

Meaning: to make efforts to achieve a specific goal

• She’s working towards her CAE certificate this year.

14 Phrasal Verbs with “Work”

Work off

Meaning: to get rid of something (usually negative) by physical activity

• He went for a long run to work off his stress.

Work into

Meaning: to include or fit something into a plan or schedule

• Can we work your suggestion into the presentation somehow?

Work around (something)

Meaning: to find a way to overcome or avoid a problem

• There’s a scheduling conflict, but we can work around it.

Work over

Meaning 1: (informal) to attack or beat someone

• In the film, the villain gets worked over by the hero’s bodyguards.

Meaning 2: to examine or revise something carefully

• Let’s work over the report before submitting it.

14 Phrasal Verbs with “Work”

Work up to (something)

Meaning: to gradually reach a level or standard

• She started jogging and is now working up to running a full marathon.

Work off (a debt)

Meaning: to repay something by working

• He worked off his student loan by doing weekend shifts.

Work in

Meaning: to add or include something smoothly

• The presenter worked in a few jokes to keep the audience engaged.

Work under (someone)

Meaning: to have someone as your boss or supervisor

• I used to work under a very demanding manager.

Do the quiz to perfect your knowledge

Phrasal verbs with “work”

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