B1 Prepositions 15 min read Medium

The Phrasal Verb 'Work Out': Gym, Math, and Success

Mastering 'work out' unlocks clearer communication about effort, solutions, and success.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

'Work out' is a versatile phrasal verb meaning to exercise, solve a problem, or have a successful result.

  • Use it for physical exercise: 'I work out every morning.'
  • Use it for solving or calculating: 'Can you work out this math problem?'
  • Use it for situations ending well: 'Don't worry, everything will work out.'
Subject + Work + Out (+ Object)

Overview

The words 'work out' have many meanings. It means exercise or fixing things.

Learn these meanings to speak better English.

This guide helps you use 'work out' the right way.

How This Grammar Works

'Work out' is two words. 'Work' means effort. 'Out' means finished.
Together, they mean doing something until it is done.
Consider these interpretations:
  • Effort leading to an external result: When you work out at the gym, your internal physical effort is externalized through exercise. Your muscles work out, becoming stronger.
  • Process leading to a solution or discovery: When you work out a math problem, you engage in a mental process that ultimately brings the answer out into the open. The solution emerges from your effort.
  • Development leading to a conclusion: If a situation works out, it means the sequence of events has unfolded and reached a positive, externalized conclusion. The problems are resolved, and a favorable state emerges.
Use 'work out' when you work hard to get a result.

Formation Pattern

1
Sometimes you can put other words between 'work' and 'out'.
2
Use 'work out', 'worked out', or 'working out' for different times.
3
1. Separability Rules:
4
Work out can be separable or inseparable.
5
Look at these rules to put your words in order.
6
| :--------------------------- | :--------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
7
| Inseparable | _Cannot_ separate | Object always comes _after_ work out. | - Exercise: "I work out every morning." / "She works out at a crossfit gym." - Progress/Result: "I hope everything works out for you." / "Their relationship didn't work out." |
8
You can say 'work out the plan' or 'work the plan out'.
9
You must say 'work it out'. Do not say 'work out it'.
10
For exercise, keep the words together. For plans, you can separate them.
11
2. Noun Form: Workout
12
The word 'workout' is a thing. Two words 'work out' is an action.
13
'I work out at the gym' means I am exercising.
14
'My workout is long' means the exercise time is long.
15
3. Following Clauses
16
You can use words like 'why' or 'how' after 'work out'.
17
'I did not know why he left early.'
18
"We need to work out how we can achieve this goal." (plan the method)
19
"They worked out that the total cost was too high." (calculated/understood a fact)

When To Use It

Here are the main ways to use these words.
1. Physical Exercise (Inseparable)
Use 'work out' when you go to the gym to get strong.
  • "I try to work out for at least 30 minutes every day." (Describes a regular fitness activity)
  • "She works out with a personal trainer twice a week." (Indicates a structured exercise regime)
  • "They went to the park to work out together." (Refers to exercising jointly)
2. Solve or Calculate (Separable)
Use 'work out' to find the answer to a math problem.
  • "It took me hours to work out the complex equation." (Calculate a numerical value or solve a puzzle)
  • "The team is trying to work out a solution to the budget deficit." (Find a resolution to a problem)
  • "Can you work out the total cost of all these items?" (Calculate a sum)
3. Develop or Progress Successfully; Result Positively (Inseparable)
This meaning is used when a situation, plan, or relationship evolves in a positive way, or when something ends favorably, often after initial difficulties. It implies a good outcome or resolution.
  • "Don't worry, I'm sure everything will work out in the end." (Expresses optimism about a situation's positive conclusion)
  • "Their new business idea worked out better than they expected." (Indicates a successful outcome)
  • "Even after a big argument, they managed to work things out." (Resolved disagreements, leading to a positive relational state)
4. Plan or Arrange (Separable)
Use 'work out' when you make a plan with your friends.
  • "We need to work out a detailed schedule for the conference." (Plan the specifics)
  • "Let's work out the logistics for our trip next month." (Arrange the practical details)
  • "They finally worked out a deal that satisfied both parties." (Negotiated and agreed upon terms)
5. Understand something
This application is similar to 'solve' but focuses on gaining insight or making sense of something that was previously unclear or mysterious.
  • "I couldn't work out what she meant by that cryptic message." (Understand the intention or meaning)
  • "Detectives are still trying to work out the motive behind the crime." (Grasp the underlying reason or cause)
  • "It's hard to work out his personality; he's very reserved." (Understand someone's character)

When Not To Use It

Do not use 'work out' for every kind of job.
  • For Simple Achievement or Completion (without specific effort or process): If you simply finish a task or achieve a goal without the implied process of problem-solving, calculation, or physical exertion, work out is usually not the best choice.
  • Incorrect: "I worked out my homework." (Unless you mean you solved complex math problems in it). Correct: "I finished my homework." or "I completed my homework."
  • Incorrect: "She worked out her degree." Correct: "She earned her degree." or "She achieved her degree."
  • For Literal Extraction or Removal: Work out does not mean to physically remove something from a confined space.
  • Incorrect: "The dentist worked out my tooth." Correct: "The dentist pulled out my tooth."
  • When 'Work' Alone Suffices: If you are simply referring to performing a job or exerting effort in a general sense, work is sufficient.
  • Incorrect: "I worked out at the office all day." (Unless you were exercising). Correct: "I worked at the office all day."
  • For Spontaneous Resolution without Implied Effort: While work out can mean a situation resolves successfully, it usually implies some preceding effort, planning, or the natural progression of events. If something happens without any direct intervention or process, other verbs are more appropriate.
  • Debatable: "The problem worked itself out." (Less common and implies some unseen natural resolution, rather than active problem-solving). More Natural: "The problem resolved itself." or "The issue blew over."

Common Mistakes

Students often make mistakes with where to put the words.
Always put 'it' or 'them' in the middle of the words.
  • Mistake: "I need to work out it quickly." or "Can you work out them?"
  • Correction: "I need to work it out quickly." / "Can you work them out?"
Put words like 'it' or 'them' between 'work' and 'out'. Put other words at the end. This sounds better.
Use 'work out' for actions. Use 'workout' for a thing. Do not use 'workout' as an action.
  • Mistake: "I workout every morning at the gym."
  • Correction: "I work out every morning at the gym." (Phrasal verb)
Use 'work out' when you think hard. Use 'finish' or 'do' for easy tasks.
  • Mistake: "Have you worked out your chores yet?" (Unless the chores involved complex problem-solving)
  • Correction: "Have you done your chores yet?" or "Have you finished your chores yet?"
Do not use 'work out' for your job. For your job, just use the word 'work'.
  • Mistake: "My dad works out as an engineer." (Suggests he exercises while being an engineer)
  • Correction: "My dad works as an engineer." or "My dad is an engineer."
Always use the word 'out' with 'work'. Do not use other small words like 'in' or 'at'.
  • Mistake: "Let's work up a plan." (Though work up is a different phrasal verb with a different meaning – to create something gradually)
  • Correction: "Let's work out a plan."

Common Collocations

Some words go together often. Learn these pairs to sound more natural.
**Work out Problem/Solution/Issue ** When referring to finding a resolution.
  • "We need to work out the solution to this technical problem."
  • "The management team is trying to work out some issues with the new policy."
**Work out Plan/Strategy/Deal/Arrangements/Logistics ** When devising or agreeing on specifics.
  • "Let's work out a plan for the project launch."
  • "They worked out a fair deal after lengthy negotiations."
**Work out Details/Cost/Price/Bill/Sum ** When calculating or specifying.
  • "Can you work out the exact cost of the repairs?"
  • "We need to work out the details before signing the contract."
**Work out at the gym/regularly/intensity ** In the context of physical exercise.
  • "I work out at the gym most evenings."
  • "She works out with high intensity to build muscle."
**Work out well/badly/fine/for the best ** Describing the outcome or success of a situation.
  • "I hope your presentation works out well."
  • "Despite the initial difficulties, everything worked out for the best."
**Work out with someone ** To exercise together.
  • "My friend and I work out together on weekends."
**Work out one's frustration/anger ** To release strong emotions through physical activity.
  • "After a stressful day, I work out my frustration on the punching bag."

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Many words are like 'work out'. Learn the small differences to speak better.
1. Work out vs. Figure out
Use 'figure out' for thinking. Use 'work out' for thinking or moving. Both can find answers.
| Feature | Work out | Figure out |
| :------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
'Work out' is trying hard to finish. 'Figure out' is using your brain to understand.
You can put words inside 'figure out'. Do not split 'work out' when you talk about exercise.
| Examples | - "I need to work out how to pay for this." (Focus on finding a solution/method)
  • "Can you work out the budget?" (Calculation)
  • "It took a while to work out her motives." (Understanding an intention)
  • "I work out every day." (Physical exercise) | - "I need to figure out how this software works." (Focus on understanding the mechanism)
  • "Can you figure out what went wrong?" (Discovery of cause)
  • "It took a while to figure out the puzzle." (Mental deduction) |
When interchangeable: For problems or mysteries, you can often use either: "I need to work out/figure out this puzzle." Figure out might feel slightly more informal or focused on intellectual discovery.
2. Work out vs. Solve
'Solve' means you found the answer. 'Work out' is the hard work to find it.
  • Solve: Typically focuses on the act of finding the correct answer or ending a problem definitively. "The police solved the murder." "She solved the math problem in minutes."
  • Work out: Can describe the ongoing effort towards a solution ("They are working out the details of the agreement") or the result of a situation ("Everything worked out fine"). Solve is transitive (you solve something), whereas work out can be intransitive when referring to a situation resolving itself.
3. Work out vs. Exercise
'Exercise' is moving your body. 'Work out' is moving to get strong and fit.
  • Exercise: Broader. "I exercise to stay healthy." (General activity)
  • Work out: More specific. "I work out at the gym." (Implies a routine, often with equipment)
4. Work out vs. Resolve
'Resolve' means a problem is over. 'Work out' means everything ended well.
  • Resolve: "The company resolved the customer complaint." (Definitive action)
  • Work out: "I hope the misunderstanding works out eventually." (Focus on the situation naturally progressing to a good state).

Quick FAQ

  • Q: Is work out always about physical fitness?
  • A: No. While it's very common in that context, work out also means to solve a problem, calculate a value, plan something, understand something, or for a situation to have a positive outcome. The context will always clarify the meaning.
  • Q: Can work out be used in formal contexts?
  • A: Absolutely. It is perfectly acceptable in business meetings ("We need to work out a strategy") or academic discussions ("Scientists are working out the implications of the data"). Its versatility spans across registers.
  • Q: Does work out imply difficulty or effort?
  • A: Yes, generally. Whether physical or mental, work out usually suggests that some effort, thought, or process is required to achieve the desired result or resolution. It rarely describes something happening effortlessly.
  • Q: What's the difference between work out (two words) and workout (one word)?
  • A: Work out (two words) is the phrasal verb, meaning to exercise, solve, plan, etc. Workout (one word) is a noun, referring to a session of physical exercise. For example: "I need to work out before my morning workout."
  • Q: Can work out have a negative meaning?
  • A: Yes. When a situation or relationship "doesn't work out" or "didn't work out," it means it failed or was unsuccessful. For instance, "Their marriage didn't work out." or "The new plan didn't work out as expected." Context is crucial to understanding the intended positive or negative outcome.
  • Q: What should I remember most about separability?
  • A: The most important rule is that if work out means to solve, calculate, plan, or understand, and its object is a pronoun (e.g., it, them), you must place the pronoun between work and out. For example, "work it out." If the object is a noun phrase, separating is optional, but putting the noun after work out is common.
  • Q: How does work out relate to cultural aspects?
  • A: In many English-speaking cultures, particularly in the United States, the phrase work out (meaning exercise) has become a significant part of daily vocabulary, reflecting a societal emphasis on fitness and well-being. It's common to hear about "hitting the gym to work out" or having a "good workout" as a regular social topic. Beyond fitness, its use in problem-solving and positive resolution reflects a pragmatic approach to challenges, emphasizing perseverance and finding solutions.

2. Negative Contractions

Full Form Contraction
do not work out
don't work out
does not work out
doesn't work out
did not work out
didn't work out

Conjugation of 'Work Out'

Tense Subject Form Example
Present Simple
I/You/We/They
work out
I work out daily.
Present Simple
He/She/It
works out
She works out often.
Past Simple
All
worked out
It worked out well.
Present Continuous
All
am/is/are working out
I am working out now.
Present Perfect
All
have/has worked out
We have worked it out.
Future
All
will work out
It will work out.

Meanings

A multi-use phrasal verb primarily describing physical training, the process of solving a puzzle or calculation, or the way a situation develops over time.

1

Physical Exercise

To engage in physical activity to improve health or fitness.

“He works out at the local gym three times a week.”

“I'm too tired to work out today.”

2

Solve or Calculate

To find a solution to a problem or to calculate an amount.

“We need to work out the total cost of the trip.”

“I can't work out how to open this box.”

3

Result or Success

To develop in a successful way or to have a particular result.

“My new job is working out really well.”

“Things didn't work out between them, so they broke up.”

4

Understand Someone

To understand someone's character or behavior.

“I've known him for years, but I still can't work him out.”

“She's a complex person; hard to work out.”

Reference Table

Reference table for The Phrasal Verb 'Work Out': Gym, Math, and Success
Form Structure Example
Affirmative (Intransitive)
Subject + work out
I work out at 6 AM.
Affirmative (Transitive)
Subject + work out + Object
I worked out the answer.
Affirmative (Separated)
Subject + work + Object + out
I worked the answer out.
Pronoun Object
Subject + work + pronoun + out
I worked it out.
Negative
Subject + auxiliary + not + work out
It didn't work out.
Question
Auxiliary + Subject + work out?
Did it work out?
Gerund
Working out + ...
Working out is fun.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
We must formulate a solution to this discrepancy.

We must formulate a solution to this discrepancy. (Workplace conflict)

Neutral
We need to work out this problem.

We need to work out this problem. (Workplace conflict)

Informal
Let's work it out.

Let's work it out. (Workplace conflict)

Slang
Let's fix this mess.

Let's fix this mess. (Workplace conflict)

The Three Pillars of 'Work Out'

Work Out

Physical

  • Gym Exercise
  • Fitness Health

Mental

  • Math Calculate
  • Puzzles Solve

Situational

  • Success Result
  • Relationships Resolution

Verb vs. Noun

Verb (Action)
work out Two words
I work out. Action
Noun (Thing)
workout One word
Great workout! Object/Event

Where does the object go?

1

Is there an object?

YES
Go to next step
NO
Just use 'work out'
2

Is it a pronoun (it/them)?

YES
Must be: work + it + out
NO
Either: work out + object OR work + object + out

Common Objects for 'Work Out'

🔢

Numbers

  • • The total
  • • The cost
  • • The percentage
🧩

Problems

  • • A solution
  • • The details
  • • A compromise
👤

People

  • • Him/Her
  • • The boss
  • • The suspect
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Examples by Level

1

I work out every day.

2

Do you work out at the gym?

3

He works out in the park.

4

We don't work out on Sundays.

1

I can't work out this math problem.

2

Don't worry, it will work out.

3

We need to work out the price.

4

Did the plan work out?

1

I have a difficult problem, but I will work it out.

2

Things didn't work out between Sarah and Tom.

3

You should work out the total before you pay.

4

I'm working out a new schedule for next week.

1

The lawyers are trying to work out a settlement.

2

I've been trying to work him out for months, but he's a mystery.

3

It works out cheaper if you buy in bulk.

4

We haven't worked out the logistics of the move yet.

1

The final cost works out to be much higher than anticipated.

2

It's a complex situation, but we're working out the kinks.

3

The details of the merger are currently being worked out by the board.

4

I can't quite work out what she's implying in this letter.

1

Whether the strategy will work out in the long term remains to be seen.

2

He has a peculiar way of working out his frustrations through art.

3

The math works out, but the logic behind the theory is flawed.

4

They are working out the fine print of the contract as we speak.

Easily Confused

The Phrasal Verb 'Work Out': Gym, Math, and Success vs Work out vs. Exercise

Learners use 'exercise' for everything. 'Work out' is more specific to a session of training.

The Phrasal Verb 'Work Out': Gym, Math, and Success vs Work out vs. Figure out

They both mean 'solve' or 'understand'.

The Phrasal Verb 'Work Out': Gym, Math, and Success vs Workout (Noun) vs. Work out (Verb)

Spelling and spacing.

Common Mistakes

✗

I work out it.

✓

I work it out.

Pronouns must go between the verb and the particle.
✗

He work out every day.

✓

He works out every day.

Don't forget the 's' for third-person singular.
✗

I am exercise out.

✓

I am working out.

'Exercise out' is not a phrase. Use 'work out' or 'exercise'.
✗

I did a work out.

✓

I did a workout.

The noun is one word 'workout'. The verb is two words 'work out'.
✗

I worked out the math problem very good.

✓

I worked out the math problem very well.

Use the adverb 'well' to describe how you did the action.
✗

The plan worked out itself.

✓

The plan worked out.

'Work out' is already intransitive here; you don't need 'itself'.
✗

I can't work out why is he late.

✓

I can't work out why he is late.

This is an indirect question; use statement word order.
✗

We need to work out about the budget.

✓

We need to work out the budget.

Don't add 'about'. 'Work out' takes a direct object.
✗

I've worked out him.

✓

I've worked him out.

When the object is a person (pronoun), it must be separated.
✗

It's a hard work out.

✓

It's a hard workout.

Again, using the verb form as a noun.
✗

The math doesn't work out to.

✓

The math doesn't work out.

Don't end with 'to' unless you are following it with a number.

Sentence Patterns

I work out ___ times a week.

I need to work out how to ___.

I hope everything works out with ___.

It works out cheaper to ___ than to ___.

Real World Usage

At the Gym constant

I'm going to work out for an hour.

Math Class very common

Can you work out the area of this circle?

Job Interview common

We are still working out the salary details.

Texting a Friend very common

Hope things work out with your move!

Ordering Food (Splitting Bill) occasional

Let's work out how much everyone owes.

Social Media Caption common

Morning workout done! #fitness

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💡

The Pronoun Sandwich

Always put 'it' or 'them' in the middle. Think of 'work' and 'out' as the bread and the pronoun as the meat.
⚠️

Spelling Matters

Don't write 'I had a good work out.' It should be 'workout' (one word) when it's a noun.
🎯

Use for Encouragement

If a friend is stressed, saying 'It will work out' is one of the most natural ways to sound like a native speaker.
💬

Gym vs. Workout

In English, we 'go to the gym' but we 'work out'. We don't usually say 'I'm going to gym'.

Smart Tips

Try using 'work out' instead. It sounds much more natural in spoken English.

I need to calculate the bill. → I need to work out the bill.

Always put it in the middle. Never say 'work out it'.

I'll work out it later. → I'll work it out later.

Use 'workout' (one word) for your photo caption, but 'work out' (two words) if you are describing the action.

Time to workout! → Time to work out!

Use the phrase 'Everything will work out.' It's the perfect idiom for support.

Everything will be okay. → Everything will work out.

Pronunciation

/wɜːrk aʊt/

Linking

The 'k' at the end of 'work' links to the 'o' in 'out'. It sounds like 'wer-kout'.

work OUT

Stress

In phrasal verbs, the particle (out) usually receives more stress than the verb (work).

Phrasal Verb Stress

I need to work OUT. (Stress on OUT)

Emphasizes the action of the phrasal verb.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Work it OUT: When you have a problem, you put 'Work' in, and a solution comes 'Out'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person lifting a giant math equation like a barbell. They are 'working out' the math while 'working out' their muscles.

Rhyme

To solve a doubt or sweat it out, the phrase you need is 'work it out'.

Story

Ben went to the gym to work out. While on the treadmill, he tried to work out his monthly budget. He realized that if he saved money, everything would work out for his summer vacation.

Word Web

GymCalculateSolveSuccessResultExerciseLogisticsSolution

Challenge

Write down three things you need to 'work out' this week (one physical, one mental, one situational).

Cultural Notes

'Working out' is a massive part of US culture. People often identify as 'gym-goers' and use 'workout' as a noun for their social identity.

In the UK, 'work out' is often used interchangeably with 'sort out' when solving problems.

In global business, 'working out the details' is a polite way to say that a deal is almost done but not yet finished.

From 'work' (Old English 'wyrcan') and 'out' (Old English 'ut').

Conversation Starters

“

How often do you work out?

“

Has a plan ever not worked out for you?

“

Can you work out how much we owe for dinner?

“

Is there someone you just can't work out?

Journal Prompts

Describe your ideal workout routine.
Write about a time a situation didn't work out as you expected.
Explain a complex problem you had to work out recently.
Discuss the logistics you would need to work out to move to a new country.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I need to work it out.
Pronouns must go between 'work' and 'out'.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'work out'.

She _______ at the gym every Tuesday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: works out
Third-person singular 'she' requires 'works'.
Find the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I did a great work out this morning.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Change 'work out' to 'workout'
When used as a noun, it is one word: 'workout'.
Rewrite the sentence using 'work out'. Sentence Transformation

We need to calculate the total cost.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: We need to work out the total cost.
'Work out' is a synonym for 'calculate'.
Match the meaning to the sentence. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Gym, 2-Math, 3-Plan
These are the three primary contexts for the verb.
Is the following rule true or false? True False Rule

You can say 'I worked out the problem' AND 'I worked the problem out'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: True
It is a separable phrasal verb when the object is a noun.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: I'm so stressed about the move. B: Don't worry, _______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: it will work out
This is the standard idiomatic way to offer comfort.
Which of these is a VERB use? Grammar Sorting

Identify the verb usage.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I need to work out.
Two words indicate the verb; one word indicates the noun.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I need to work it out.
Pronouns must go between 'work' and 'out'.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'work out'.

She _______ at the gym every Tuesday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: works out
Third-person singular 'she' requires 'works'.
Find the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I did a great work out this morning.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Change 'work out' to 'workout'
When used as a noun, it is one word: 'workout'.
Rewrite the sentence using 'work out'. Sentence Transformation

We need to calculate the total cost.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: We need to work out the total cost.
'Work out' is a synonym for 'calculate'.
Match the meaning to the sentence. Match Pairs

1. Exercise, 2. Solve, 3. Succeed

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Gym, 2-Math, 3-Plan
These are the three primary contexts for the verb.
Is the following rule true or false? True False Rule

You can say 'I worked out the problem' AND 'I worked the problem out'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: True
It is a separable phrasal verb when the object is a noun.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: I'm so stressed about the move. B: Don't worry, _______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: it will work out
This is the standard idiomatic way to offer comfort.
Which of these is a VERB use? Grammar Sorting

Identify the verb usage.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I need to work out.
Two words indicate the verb; one word indicates the noun.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Choose the correct form Fill in the Blank

We had a disagreement, but we managed to ___ things.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: work out
Find and fix the mistake Error Correction

The meeting didn't work out as well I hoped.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The meeting didn't work out as well as I hoped.
Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I can't work out how this machine operates.
Type the correct English sentence Translation

Translate into English: 'Espero que todo salga bien.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["I hope everything works out.","I hope it all works out."]
Put the words in order Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: We need to work out the cost
Match each situation with the appropriate 'work out' meaning Match Pairs

Match the situations with the correct meaning of 'work out':

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Choose the correct form Fill in the Blank

I can't ___ the answer to this complex equation.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: work out
Find and fix the mistake Error Correction

After much discussion, they finally worked them out.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: After much discussion, they finally worked them out.
Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: My new business plan will definitely work out.
Type the correct English sentence Translation

Translate into English: 'Tenemos que elaborar un plan para el proyecto.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["We have to work out a plan for the project.","We need to work out a plan for the project."]
Put the words in order Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This problem may take weeks to work out
Match each context with the appropriate action involving 'work out' Match Pairs

Match the contexts with the action:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

It is generally neutral. It is perfectly fine in business meetings (e.g., `working out the budget`), but in very formal academic writing, you might prefer `calculate` or `resolve`.

It's more natural to say `I'm working out` (intransitive) or `I'm training my muscles`. However, you can say `I'm working out my legs today` in a gym context.

They are very similar. `Work out` is often used for math, calculations, and physical results. `Figure out` is used more for understanding logic, reasons, or how something works.

This is an old idiom meaning that problems will disappear or be resolved over time, just like dirt comes out of clothes in the laundry.

Yes! It's very common. `Their marriage didn't work out` means they got divorced or separated.

Not usually. However, we have the adjective `overworked`. `Worked out` is almost always the past tense of the verb.

Yes. `I finally worked out the crossword puzzle` is a great use of the phrase.

Both are used. `Work out at the gym` is most common, but `work out in the park` is also fine.

Scaffolded Practice

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Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

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In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Hacer ejercicio / Resolver

English uses one phrase; Spanish uses several specific verbs.

French low

S'entraîner / Résoudre

French requires distinct verbs for exercise vs. solving.

German moderate

Trainieren / Ausrechnen

German has a similar 'out' structure for math but not for fitness.

Japanese none

運動する (Undou suru) / 解決する (Kaiketsu suru)

Japanese uses completely unrelated kanji compounds for each sense.

Arabic low

يتمرن (Yatamarran) / يحل (Yahal)

Arabic verbs are root-based and don't use particles like 'out' to change meaning.

Chinese low

锻炼 (Duànliàn) / 解决 (Jiějué)

Chinese lacks the 'verb + direction' logic found in English phrasal verbs.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
How to Use 'Set up' (Phrasal Verb)
Next
Phrasal Verb: Fill In (Forms & Information)

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