# work sth out

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/work-sth-out
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to find a solution to a problem or to understand something after thinking about it carefully.

For teachers: to resolve a problem or calculate an amount; to arrive at a conclusion or understanding through mental effort or negotiation.

## Examples

- I need to work out how to fix this.
- The two companies had a disagreement, but they eventually managed to work out a new deal.
- Economists are still trying to work out the long-term implications of the recent policy shift on global trade stability.

## Pitfalls

- Not "We need to work out it." but "We need to work it out." — with this phrasal verb, pronoun objects must be placed between the verb and the particle.

## Usage notes

- when the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'work' and 'out'.
- Teaching tip: highlight the difference between this cognitive sense and the physical sense of 'exercising' to avoid confusion in context.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.