Bedeutung
To travel to the place where you are employed.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In the US, 'going to work' almost always implies a car commute in most cities. Small talk often revolves around traffic conditions during the 'go to work' hours. The 'salaryman' culture makes 'going to work' a very formal and disciplined ritual. Trains are the primary method, and being even one minute late is highly discouraged. In the Netherlands, 'going to work' is frequently done by bicycle, regardless of the weather. It is seen as a healthy and practical part of the day. In London, 'going to work' is synonymous with 'the Tube' (the subway). People often use the phrase 'heading into the city' as a synonym.
The 'The' Trap
Never say 'go to the work.' It is the most common mistake for new learners. Just 'go to work'!
Commuting vs. Going
If you want to sound more advanced, use 'commute' when talking about the distance, but stick to 'go to work' for the daily action.
Bedeutung
To travel to the place where you are employed.
The 'The' Trap
Never say 'go to the work.' It is the most common mistake for new learners. Just 'go to work'!
Commuting vs. Going
If you want to sound more advanced, use 'commute' when talking about the distance, but stick to 'go to work' for the daily action.
Small Talk
Asking 'How was the commute?' is a great way to start a conversation with someone who just 'went to work.'
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
Every morning, Sarah ______ by train.
We use 'goes' for the third person (Sarah) and we do not use 'the' before 'work'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the natural English sentence:
When the action is happening at the moment of speaking, we use the present continuous 'am going'. Again, no 'the' is needed.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Why are you in such a hurry? B: Because I have to ______! My bus leaves in five minutes.
After 'have to', we use the base form of the verb.
Match the sentence to the correct time.
Match: 'I went to work.'
'Went' is the past tense of 'go'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Go to Work vs. At Work
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenEvery morning, Sarah ______ by train.
We use 'goes' for the third person (Sarah) and we do not use 'the' before 'work'.
Choose the natural English sentence:
When the action is happening at the moment of speaking, we use the present continuous 'am going'. Again, no 'the' is needed.
A: Why are you in such a hurry? B: Because I have to ______! My bus leaves in five minutes.
After 'have to', we use the base form of the verb.
Match: 'I went to work.'
'Went' is the past tense of 'go'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt is grammatically possible but sounds very unnatural. Native speakers almost always say 'I go to work.'
No, it is for any job—factory, hospital, school, or construction site.
'Go to work' is the routine. 'Go to a job' sounds like you are going to a specific task or a one-time gig.
Use 'went': 'I went to work yesterday.'
Yes, people say it metaphorically to mean they are starting their work day, even if they don't leave the house.
Because 'work' is treated as an institution or a state of being, similar to 'church,' 'school,' or 'prison.'
Yes, 'heading to work' is just a slightly more informal way of saying 'going to work.'
Not exactly. 'Go to work' usually implies the travel. 'Start working' is the actual beginning of the tasks.
You would still say 'I'm going to work,' and the context would tell people which one you mean.
It is always 'go to work' for the destination. 'Go for work' might be used if you are traveling to another city for a business trip.
Verwandte Redewendungen
get to work
similarTo arrive at work or to start a task.
at work
builds onTo be currently at the workplace.
work from home
contrastTo do your job at your house.
leave for work
similarThe specific moment of exiting your home to go to your job.
