A1verb high_frequency_chunk

Work

🇬🇧 UK /["/wɜːk/","/wɜːks/","/wɜːkt/","/ˈwɜːkɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/wɜːrk/","/wɜːrks/","/wɜːrkt/","/ˈwɜːrkɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Work

to do something that involves physical or mental effort, especially as part of a job

In simple words: To do a job or task.

Work in a sentence

• I need to work on my homework before dinner.
• She will work at the library this summer.
• Can you work with me on this project?
• The machine does not work properly.
• They need to work together to finish the task.

How to use Work

Use 'work' in professional or casual contexts to refer to tasks or jobs. Avoid using in overly formal settings where a more specific term may be preferred.

Grammar pattern

work + object

Memory hint

Think of 'work' as 'wearing a tool' — you use tools to do tasks.

Related words

Collocations with Work

• hard
• tirelessly
• assiduously
• continue to
• choose to
• prefer to
• as
• at
• for
• hard
• tirelessly
• assiduously
• continue to
• choose to
• prefer to
• as
• at
• for
• correctly
• effectively
• efficiently
• seem to
• work like a charm
• work like magic
• work to somebody’s advantage
• correctly
• effectively
• efficiently
• seem to
• work like a charm
• work like magic
• work to somebody’s advantage

Synonyms for Work

• labor
• employment
• job
• task
• duty

Opposites of Work

• rest
• idleness
• leisure

Common mistakes with Work

• Confused with 'job' vs 'work': 'Job' is a specific role, while 'work' refers to the tasks involved.
• Using 'work' as a noun in contexts needing a verb: e.g., saying 'I will work tomorrow' instead of 'I will do work tomorrow.'
• Omitting plural forms: e.g., saying 'We all have work to do' is correct, but learners may mistakenly say 'We all have works to do.'

Frequently asked questions about Work

What does Work mean?

To do a job or task.

What is the definition of Work?

to do something that involves physical or mental effort, especially as part of a job

How do you use Work in a sentence?

I need to work on my homework before dinner.

Can you give another example of Work?

She will work at the library this summer.

What are synonyms for Work?

Common alternatives include labor, employment, job, task, duty.

What is the opposite of Work?

Opposite meanings include rest, idleness, leisure.

What words go with Work?

It commonly pairs with hard, tirelessly, assiduously, continue to, choose to, prefer to, as, at, for, hard, tirelessly, assiduously, continue to, choose to, prefer to, as, at, for, correctly, effectively, efficiently, seem to, work like a charm, work like magic, work to somebody’s advantage, correctly, effectively, efficiently, seem to, work like a charm, work like magic, work to somebody’s advantage.

What are common mistakes when using Work?

Confused with 'job' vs 'work': 'Job' is a specific role, while 'work' refers to the tasks involved. Using 'work' as a noun in contexts needing a verb: e.g., saying 'I will work tomorrow' instead of 'I will do work tomorrow.' Omitting plural forms: e.g., saying 'We all have work to do' is correct, but learners may mistakenly say 'We all have works to do.'

How do you pronounce Work?

US: /["/wɜːrk/","/wɜːrks/","/wɜːrkt/","/ˈwɜːrkɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/wɜːk/","/wɜːks/","/wɜːkt/","/ˈwɜːkɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Work?

Use 'work' in professional or casual contexts to refer to tasks or jobs. Avoid using in overly formal settings where a more specific term may be preferred.

What CEFR level is Work?

"Work" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.