work on

The phrase "work on" is versatile and can imply improving, influencing, or progressing on tasks or skills.

🇺🇸 US Voice:

🇬🇧 UK Voice:

Definition

B1General

(common)To spend time and effort improving or completing a task or project.

Example

I need to work on my pronunciation if I'm to pass the exam.
We are working on plans for a new swimming pool.

B1Self-Improvement

(common)To practice or refine a skill or ability.

Example

His jokes are good, but he needs to work on his delivery.
If you worked on it, you could have a really good singing voice.

B2Interpersonal

(common)To try to persuade or influence someone.

Example

He hasn't said he'll do it yet, but I'm working on him.
She is working on convincing her parents to let her go on the trip.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "work on":

work in work through work over work it get work done have work done work up set to work work off work out do a lot of work work in progress work away at work work together go to work get on work around play on put in the work get on with crack on in the works keep on on the job hard work piece of work be on go on act on get on to have on fix up put to work start on do one deal with office work get busy