English Reference

Phrasal verb

work out

Definition

phrasal verb. to do physical exercise to get fit; also, to find a solution to a problem.

phrasal verb. to engage in physical exercise for fitness; alternatively, to resolve a problem or calculate a result through reasoning.

Examples

“I work out at the gym three times a week.”

“We need to work out a way to finish the project before the deadline on Friday.”

“The scientists spent months trying to work out why the experiment failed despite following the established protocols.”

Examples

simple

“I work out at the gym three times a week.”

contextual

“We need to work out a way to finish the project before the deadline on Friday.”

complex

“The scientists spent months trying to work out why the experiment failed despite following the established protocols.”

Usage

the exercise sense is usually intransitive, while the problem-solving sense is often transitive.

Teaching tip

distinguish between the intransitive 'I work out' (exercise) and the transitive 'I worked out the answer' (solved); the latter allows for object placement between the verb and particle.

Pitfall

I need to work out it.

I need to work it out.

when using a pronoun as the object in the 'solve' sense, it must go between the verb and the particle.

Phrasal verb

Particles

out

Separability

optional

Pattern

work + (object) + out

Synonyms

exercisesolvecalculateresolve

Antonyms

neglectfailgive up

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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English Reference