To Work Out – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever gone to the gym, tried to solve a problem, or hoped a plan would succeed? In English, we often say to work out for all these situations! This useful phrase shows up in chats about health, daily life, and even relationships—so it’s great to know how to use it right.
What Does “to work out” Mean?
“To work out” has three common meanings:
1. To exercise (usually at a gym or at home)
2. To solve or figure something out
3. To happen successfully or turn out well
Think of it like your body getting stronger, your brain finding a solution, or life going the way you hope—it’s never about “working” and “out” separately!
When to Use It
You’ll hear “to work out” in many real-life situations:
• At the gym or talking about fitness (“I work out three times a week”)
• When solving a math problem or scheduling conflict (“Let’s work out a time to meet”)
• When hoping for a good result (“I hope things work out between them”)
It’s neutral—perfect for speaking with friends, coworkers, or even in casual emails.
Example Sentences
- I work out every morning before breakfast.
- We need to work out the details of the project.
- Don’t worry—everything will work out in the end.
- She couldn’t work out why her phone stopped working.
Mini Dialogue
Tom: “I’m nervous about the meeting tomorrow.”
Lena: “It’ll work out! You’ve prepared well.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t confuse the meanings! “Work out” doesn’t always mean exercise. Also, remember it’s a phrasal verb—you can say “work it out” or “work out the problem.”
❌ Don’t: “I worked out my friend yesterday.” (That sounds like you exercised your friend!)
✅ Do: “I worked out a solution with my friend.”
Practice Tip
Choose one meaning of “to work out” and write a sentence about your week. Say it aloud—like you’re telling a friend!
Final Note
Now you’re ready to use “to work out” naturally in conversations—whether you’re talking about fitness, plans, or hopes for the future. Keep using it, and soon it’ll feel just right. You’ve got this!