Cool MateWork
UK /["/wɜːk/","/wɜːks/","/wɜːkt/","/ˈwɜːkɪŋ/"]/US /["/wɜːrk/","/wɜːrks/","/wɜːrkt/","/ˈwɜːrkɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to do something that involves physical or mental effort, especially as part of a job
In simple words: To do a job or task.
Examples
- 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.
Usage notes
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.
Collocations
- 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
- labor
- employment
- job
- task
- duty
Antonyms
- rest
- idleness
- leisure
Common mistakes
- 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.'