Work On – Meaning and Examples
Skills need development, projects require progress, and broken items need repair. In English, we say we need to work on these things. This versatile idiom describes effort toward improvement and completion in various aspects of life.
What Does “Work On” Mean?
“Work on” means to spend time and effort improving, developing, or repairing something. Think of it like practicing a musical instrument—you gradually get better through consistent effort. It describes ongoing effort toward a goal, whether it’s personal growth, project completion, or fixing something.
When to Use It
Use this idiom when talking about skill development and practice. Use it when discussing project progress and task completion. Use it for repairs and improvements to objects or systems. It is a positive, proactive phrase that emphasizes continuous effort and growth.
Example Sentences
- I need to work on my presentation skills before the conference.
- The mechanics are working on my car’s engine problem.
- She’s working on a new novel in her spare time.
- We should work on communicating better as a team.
Mini Dialogue
Teacher: “Your essay shows good ideas, but the organization needs improvement.”
Student: “Thank you. I’ll work on that for the next assignment.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Remember, this idiom implies ongoing effort and improvement. Don’t use it for completed actions or one-time tasks.
❌ Don’t say: “I worked on sending the email this morning.” (Use “sent” instead).
✅ Do say: “I’m working on improving my Spanish conversation skills.”
Practice Tip
Identify one skill or habit you want to improve. Create a specific sentence like “I need to work on [specific skill] by [specific action].” For example, “I need to work on my cooking skills by trying one new recipe each week.” This makes your practice more meaningful.
Final Note
You now know how to use “work on” to describe ongoing effort toward improvement, completion, and repair. This proactive phrase will help you talk about personal growth, project progress, and problem-solving in everyday situations. Use it to emphasize continuous effort and the journey of improvement!