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B1 verb|noun #38 most common 14 min read

works

Top 38

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips works in 30 Seconds

Explanation works in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'works' is mostly used as a verb to talk about jobs. You use it when you talk about one person, like 'He works' or 'She works.' It is a very important word for introducing your family or friends. For example, you can say 'My father works in a shop' or 'My sister works in a school.' You also use it to say if a machine is okay or broken. If you have a toy or a phone, you can say 'It works!' when it is on. It is a simple action word. You do not need to worry about the noun 'works' yet. Just remember to add the 's' when you talk about another person. If you say 'I work,' there is no 's.' But if you say 'He works,' you must add the 's.' This is one of the first grammar rules you learn in English. It helps you talk about daily life and the people around you in a clear way.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'works' in more ways. You still use it for jobs, like 'He works as a waiter.' But you also use it to talk about how things function. You might say 'The internet works now' or 'This pen works well.' You are beginning to understand that 'works' means 'is functioning correctly.' You might also hear the phrase 'That works for me' when making plans with friends. This means 'That is a good time for me' or 'I agree.' It is a very useful phrase for social life. You are also learning that 'works' is only for singular subjects like 'he,' 'she,' and 'it.' If you talk about 'they,' you must say 'they work.' At this level, you are building a foundation for using the word in different contexts, from technology to social agreements, making your English sound more natural and helpful in everyday situations.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with 'works' as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, you use it to describe professional roles and the effectiveness of plans. For example, 'This new system works better than the old one.' You are also introduced to 'works' as a plural noun. This is very common when talking about art and literature. You might read about the 'works of Leonardo da Vinci' or the 'collected works of a famous writer.' You understand that in this context, 'works' means 'creations.' You also learn about 'public works,' which are things like roads and bridges built by the city. You might hear about 'the works' of a clock, meaning the gears inside. This level requires you to distinguish between 'work' (uncountable labor) and 'works' (countable creations). Understanding these differences helps you participate in more complex conversations about culture, technology, and society.

At the B2 level, you use 'works' with more precision and in more idiomatic ways. You understand the nuances of 'works' in industrial contexts, such as 'ironworks' or 'gasworks.' You can discuss the 'works' of a machine in a technical way, describing how the internal mechanisms function. You are also familiar with idioms like 'throw a spanner in the works,' which means to cause a problem that stops a plan from succeeding. Your use of 'works' in artistic discussions is more fluid; you can compare the 'early works' and 'late works' of a composer. You also use 'works' to describe the success of abstract concepts, like 'the way the economy works' or 'how the legal system works.' At this stage, you are expected to use the word accurately in both formal writing and informal speech, recognizing how its meaning shifts slightly depending on the professional or creative field being discussed.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 'works' is deep and multifaceted. You use it to discuss complex systems and philosophical ideas. You might analyze the 'theological works' of a scholar or the 'philosophical works' of the Enlightenment. You are aware of the subtle differences between 'works' and its synonyms like 'oeuvre' or 'mechanism.' You can use 'works' in formal reports to describe 'public works projects' and their impact on urban development. You also master the use of 'the works' as an informal expression for 'everything,' but you know exactly when it is appropriate to use it and when to stick to more formal language. Your grammar is perfect, never confusing the uncountable 'work' with the countable 'works.' You can explain the 'inner works' of a political organization or a complex scientific theory, using the word to describe both physical parts and abstract processes with ease and sophistication.

At the C2 level, 'works' is a tool you use with total mastery. You can engage in high-level literary criticism, discussing the 'canonical works' of Western literature and their influence on modern thought. You understand the historical etymology of the word and how its meaning has evolved from physical labor to industrial sites and artistic legacies. You can use 'works' in legal or technical documents with absolute precision, such as referring to 'works of authorship' in copyright law. You are also comfortable with rare or archaic uses of the word found in classical literature. Whether you are describing the 'intricate works' of a handcrafted timepiece or the 'complete works' of a Nobel laureate, your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can play with the word's multiple meanings in creative writing or persuasive speaking, using its versatility to add depth and resonance to your communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

works in 30 Seconds

As a verb, 'works' describes a single person performing a job or a machine operating correctly. It is the third-person singular form of 'work'.
As a noun, 'works' refers to the total creative output of an artist, writer, or composer, such as 'the works of Mozart'.
In a mechanical context, 'works' refers to the internal gears and moving parts that make a device like a watch function properly.
In industrial and social contexts, it can mean a factory (steelworks) or an informal way to say 'everything' (a pizza with the works).

The word works is a versatile term in the English language, functioning primarily as the third-person singular present form of the verb 'work' or as a plural noun with several distinct meanings. Understanding its application requires a keen eye for context, as it can describe anything from a person's daily employment to the intricate internal mechanisms of a grandfather clock or the entire creative output of a legendary painter like Vincent van Gogh. In its most common verb form, it indicates that a singular subject (he, she, it, or a specific name) is performing a task, exerting effort, or functioning correctly. For example, when we say 'the elevator works,' we are confirming its operational status. When we say 'Sarah works at the hospital,' we are describing her professional occupation. However, the transition to its noun form opens up a world of artistic and mechanical depth. In the realm of art and literature, 'works' refers to the collective body of creations produced by an individual. One might study the 'collected works' of William Shakespeare, encompassing every play, sonnet, and poem he ever penned. This usage elevates the word from a simple action to a legacy of achievement.

Functional Status: Used to describe a machine or system that is operating as intended without failure.
Professional Activity: Describes the employment or labor performed by a single individual in a specific location or role.
Creative Output: Refers to the paintings, books, musical compositions, or sculptures created by an artist.

My brother works as a software engineer in San Francisco.

Beyond these primary uses, 'works' also appears in industrial contexts. A 'steelworks' or 'waterworks' is a factory or plant where specific industrial processes occur. In these instances, the word is often treated as a singular or plural noun depending on the specific facility. Furthermore, in informal English, 'the works' is a common idiom meaning 'everything' or 'all the features available.' If you order a pizza with 'the works,' you are asking for every possible topping. This versatility makes 'works' a fundamental building block for learners reaching the B1 level, as it bridges the gap between basic descriptions of labor and more complex discussions about industry, art, and mechanical systems. It is also essential for describing effectiveness; if a strategy 'works,' it is successful in achieving its goal. This abstract application is frequent in business and problem-solving scenarios where efficiency is paramount.

The museum is currently hosting an exhibition of the late artist's early works.

Mechanically, 'the works' refers to the moving parts inside a device. If you open a mechanical watch, you see the gears, springs, and levers that constitute the works. This specific usage highlights the internal logic and complexity of a system. In everyday conversation, you might hear someone say, 'That works for me,' which is a standard way of expressing agreement with a proposed plan or time. This idiomatic use is incredibly common in social scheduling. Whether you are discussing the 'works of mercy' in a religious context or the 'public works' department of a city government, the word consistently points toward the manifestation of effort, whether through physical labor, mechanical motion, or creative expression. Its ubiquity in English literature and daily speech makes it a cornerstone of functional fluency.

He took the clock apart to clean the works and oil the gears.

Industrial Site: A place where industrial labor happens, such as a brickworks or an ironworks.
Agreement Phrase: 'That works' is used to signify that a suggestion is acceptable or convenient.

If we meet at six o'clock, that works perfectly for my schedule.

I'll have a double cheeseburger with the works, please.

Using works correctly involves identifying whether you are describing an action performed by a third person or referring to a collection of objects. As a verb, it follows the standard rules for the third-person singular in the present simple tense. This means it accompanies subjects like 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or singular nouns like 'the machine' or 'John.' It is a mistake to use 'works' with 'I,' 'you,' 'we,' or 'they' in a verb context. For example, 'She works hard' is correct, whereas 'They works hard' is grammatically incorrect. When using it to describe functionality, 'works' is the go-to word for indicating that a device is not broken. If your phone is fixed, you simply say, 'It works now.' This simplicity is what makes it so effective in daily communication.

Verb: Employment: Subject + works + at/in/for + [Place/Company]. Example: 'He works at Google.'
Verb: Functionality: Subject (Machine/System) + works. Example: 'The remote control works again.'

She works out at the gym every morning before heading to the office.

When transitioning to the noun form, 'works' becomes a countable plural noun. This is most common when discussing art, literature, or music. You can say, 'I have read many works by Dickens.' In this sentence, 'works' is synonymous with 'books' or 'novels.' It is important to note that you would not say 'I have many works to do' when referring to chores; in that case, you must use the uncountable 'work.' The noun 'works' also appears in fixed phrases like 'public works,' which refers to infrastructure projects like roads and bridges built by the government. In these contexts, the word carries a sense of permanence and collective effort. It describes the physical manifestation of labor that benefits a community.

The city's department of public works is repairing the main bridge this week.

Another sophisticated use of 'works' as a noun relates to machinery. It refers to the internal parts that make a machine run. You might hear a mechanic say, 'The works are gummed up with old oil.' This usage is somewhat more technical but very common in repair contexts. Additionally, the phrase 'the works' used as an idiom for 'everything' is very frequent in casual dining. 'I want a hot dog with the works' means you want mustard, ketchup, onions, relish, and whatever else is available. This demonstrates how 'works' can shift from a formal academic term (works of literature) to a very informal, everyday expression. Mastering these shifts is key to sounding natural in English.

The scholar spent years analyzing the philosophical works of ancient Greece.

Noun: Artistic Body: The total output of an artist. Example: 'The complete works of Mozart.'
Noun: Mechanical Parts: The internal mechanism. Example: 'Sand got into the works of the camera.'

This new software works seamlessly with our existing database.

The plumber fixed the leak, and now the sink works perfectly.

You will encounter the word works in a surprising variety of environments, from the quiet halls of a university library to the noisy floor of a manufacturing plant. In academic settings, professors frequently discuss the 'works' of historical figures. You might hear a lecture on the 'major works of the Renaissance' or the 'early works of Einstein.' In this context, the word carries a tone of respect and intellectual weight. It implies that the items being discussed are not just random objects but significant contributions to human knowledge or culture. If you visit a museum, the labels next to the paintings will often refer to them as 'works of art.' This is the standard, formal way to categorize creative productions.

Academic/Artistic: Used to describe significant intellectual or creative achievements.
Workplace/Office: Used to describe a colleague's employment status or the functionality of office equipment.

The professor assigned a reading from the collected works of Plato.

In the modern workplace, 'works' is heard daily in relation to technology and schedules. When a new software update is released, the first question everyone asks is, 'Does it work?' The third-person response, 'It works,' is the ultimate green light in tech. You'll also hear it during meetings when discussing personnel. 'He works from home on Fridays' or 'She works in the marketing department' are standard ways to describe a colleague's routine. In the world of industrial production, 'works' is part of the name of many facilities. You might see signs for the 'London Waterworks' or an 'Ironworks' in an old industrial district. These names are a nod to the history of manufacturing where 'works' was a synonym for a factory or a place of labor.

The old iron works has been converted into a trendy shopping mall.

In casual social settings, 'works' is a linguistic workhorse for making plans. If someone suggests meeting at a coffee shop, you might reply, 'That works for me.' This phrase is so common that it has become a standard idiom for 'that is convenient' or 'I agree to that.' You'll also hear 'the works' at restaurants, particularly fast-food or casual diners. If you order a burger with 'the works,' you are participating in a long-standing culinary tradition of wanting every available topping. From the 'works' of a watch being repaired at a jeweler to the 'public works' crews fixing a pothole on your street, the word is embedded in the fabric of daily life. It describes the systems, people, and creations that keep society functioning.

We need to call the public works department about that broken streetlight.

Social/Casual: Used to agree on plans or order food with all the extras.
Industrial/Technical: Used to name factories or describe the internal mechanisms of machines.

He says the new schedule works much better for his family life.

The watchmaker said the works were too damaged to be repaired.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with works involves the distinction between countable and uncountable nouns. In English, 'work' (meaning general labor or tasks) is uncountable. Therefore, you should never say 'I have many works to do today.' The correct form is 'I have a lot of work to do' or 'I have many tasks to do.' The plural 'works' should only be used when referring to specific creative outputs (like 'works of art'), industrial sites (like 'a steelworks'), or the internal parts of a machine. This confusion often leads to sentences that sound unnatural to native speakers. If you are talking about your job or your chores, stick to the singular 'work.' If you are talking about the books written by an author, then 'works' is the correct choice.

Uncountable vs. Countable: Mistake: 'I have three works.' (Meaning tasks). Correct: 'I have three pieces of work' or 'I have three tasks.'
Subject-Verb Agreement: Mistake: 'They works here.' Correct: 'They work here.' 'Works' is only for he/she/it.

Incorrect: She work at the bank. Correct: She works at the bank.

Another common pitfall is subject-verb agreement. Because 'works' ends in 's,' some learners mistakenly think it is a plural verb. In English, however, adding an 's' to a verb makes it singular (third-person singular). This is the opposite of nouns, where 's' usually makes them plural. So, while 'the machines work' (plural subject, plural verb) is correct, 'the machine works' (singular subject, singular verb) is also correct. Learners often mix these up, saying 'the machine work' or 'the machines works.' Remembering this 'opposite' rule for verbs and nouns is a crucial step in mastering English grammar. Always check if your subject is one person/thing or many before deciding whether to use 'work' or 'works.'

Incorrect: The works of Shakespeare is famous. Correct: The works of Shakespeare are famous.

A third mistake involves the idiomatic use of 'works.' Sometimes learners use 'it works' when they mean 'it is useful' or 'it is helpful' in a context where 'works' doesn't quite fit. For example, if you want to say a book is helpful, you shouldn't say 'this book works.' Instead, say 'this book is helpful' or 'this book is useful.' 'It works' specifically refers to functionality (it's not broken) or effectiveness (it solves a problem). If a plan 'works,' it means the plan was successful. Using it to describe the quality of an object can sometimes lead to confusion. Finally, be careful with the phrase 'at the works.' In some regions, this specifically means at a factory. If you mean 'at the office,' just say 'at work.'

Incorrect: I'm going to the works now. Correct: I'm going to work now.

Confusion with 'Job': Mistake: 'His works is a doctor.' Correct: 'His job is being a doctor' or 'He works as a doctor.'
Mechanical Parts: Mistake: 'The work of the watch is broken.' Correct: 'The works of the watch are broken.'

The artist's works are being sold for millions of dollars.

Does this remote work? Yes, it works perfectly.

Depending on whether you are using works as a verb or a noun, there are many alternatives that can make your English sound more precise. As a verb meaning 'to perform a job,' you can use synonyms like 'is employed,' 'labors,' or 'functions.' If you are talking about a machine, 'operates' or 'runs' are excellent alternatives. For example, 'The engine runs smoothly' is often more descriptive than 'The engine works smoothly.' If you are talking about a plan or strategy, you might use 'succeeds' or 'is effective.' These words provide more nuance and show a higher level of vocabulary. In a professional setting, saying 'He is employed by a law firm' sounds slightly more formal than 'He works for a law firm.'

Verb: Functions: Focuses on the operational state of a machine. 'The heart functions well.'
Verb: Labors: Emphasizes the difficulty or physical effort involved. 'He labors in the fields.'

The new strategy operates on the principle of maximum efficiency.

As a noun referring to creative output, 'works' can be replaced by 'creations,' 'productions,' 'pieces,' or 'oeuvre.' The word 'oeuvre' is particularly sophisticated and refers to the entire body of work of an artist. If you are talking about books, 'publications' or 'writings' are good choices. In the context of 'the works' of a machine, you could use 'mechanism,' 'machinery,' or 'internal components.' These terms are more specific and can help you avoid sounding repetitive. For instance, 'The internal mechanism of the clock is complex' is more precise than 'The works of the clock are complex.' In industrial contexts, 'plant,' 'factory,' or 'facility' are standard alternatives for 'works' (as in 'steelworks').

The gallery features several masterpieces from the artist's late period.

In the idiomatic sense of 'the works' (meaning everything), you could use 'the whole lot,' 'everything,' or 'all the trimmings.' If you are ordering food, 'with everything' is the most common alternative. In a more formal context, you might say 'the full suite of features.' Comparing 'works' to its synonyms helps clarify its unique position in English. It is a word that sits comfortably between the very simple and the very complex. While 'operates' is technical and 'labors' is poetic, 'works' is the reliable, everyday term that everyone understands. By learning when to use an alternative, you can tailor your speech to your audience, whether you are talking to a friend or writing a formal essay.

The entire mechanism needs to be replaced to ensure safety.

Noun: Oeuvre: A formal term for the complete works of an artist. 'His entire oeuvre is impressive.'
Noun: Facility: A general term for an industrial site. 'The manufacturing facility is closed.'

This approach proves effective in most emergency situations.

She ordered the sundae with all the trimmings.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'works' in the sense of a factory (like 'steelworks') appeared in the 16th century, reflecting the Industrial Revolution's impact on language.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /wɜːks/

US /wɜːrks/

The stress is on the single syllable of the word.

Rhymes With

lurks perks jerks quirks shirks irks smirks berks

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'o' like the 'o' in 'fork'. It should be an 'er' sound.
Forgetting the 's' at the end when using it as a third-person verb.
Adding an extra vowel sound between 'k' and 's'.
Confusing the 'w' sound with a 'v' sound in some languages.
Making the 's' sound like a 'z' (it should be a voiceless 's').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in most contexts.

Writing 3/5

Requires care with subject-verb agreement and countability.

Speaking 2/5

Common idioms are easy to learn and use.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, though context is key for meaning.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

work job make do machine

Learn Next

employment mechanism creation operation labor

Advanced

oeuvre seminal infrastructure posthumous industrialization

Grammar to Know

Third-person singular present simple

He works (Correct) vs He work (Incorrect).

Countable vs Uncountable nouns

Works of art (Countable) vs Much work (Uncountable).

Phrasal verbs with 'work'

He works out at the gym.

Prepositions of place with 'work'

She works at the hospital.

Subject-verb agreement with collective nouns

The public works department is hiring.

Examples by Level

He works in a big office.

Il travaille dans un grand bureau.

Third-person singular 's' added to 'work'.

She works at the hospital.

Elle travaille à l'hôpital.

Subject 'She' requires the verb 'works'.

My dad works every day.

Mon père travaille tous les jours.

Present simple for a regular routine.

The computer works now.

L'ordinateur fonctionne maintenant.

'Works' here means 'functions correctly'.

Does it work?

Est-ce que ça marche ?

Question form using 'does' and the base verb 'work'.

This pen works well.

Ce stylo écrit bien.

'Works' describes the performance of the pen.

He works with my brother.

Il travaille avec mon frère.

Preposition 'with' shows the colleague.

She works on Saturdays.

Elle travaille le samedi.

Preposition 'on' used for days of the week.

That time works for me.

Cette heure me convient.

Idiomatic use meaning 'is convenient'.

The elevator works again.

L'ascenseur fonctionne à nouveau.

Describing the restoration of function.

He works as a chef.

Il travaille comme chef.

'Works as' is used to state a profession.

The remote works if you change the batteries.

La télécommande fonctionne si vous changez les piles.

Conditional sentence using 'works'.

She works very hard.

Elle travaille très dur.

Adverb 'hard' modifies the verb 'works'.

My phone works, but the screen is broken.

Mon téléphone fonctionne, mais l'écran est cassé.

Contrasting functionality with physical damage.

He works for a small company.

Il travaille pour une petite entreprise.

'Works for' indicates the employer.

The plan works perfectly.

Le plan fonctionne parfaitement.

'Works' used for an abstract plan.

The museum has many works by Picasso.

Le musée possède de nombreuses œuvres de Picasso.

'Works' as a plural countable noun meaning 'artworks'.

He works in the public works department.

Il travaille au service des travaux publics.

'Public works' is a compound noun.

The works of the clock are very old.

Le mécanisme de l'horloge est très ancien.

'Works' refers to the internal mechanical parts.

She works on her novel every night.

Elle travaille sur son roman chaque soir.

'Works on' means to spend time developing something.

The whole works was destroyed in the fire.

Toute l'usine a été détruite dans l'incendie.

'Works' can refer to a factory or industrial site.

I'll have a burger with the works.

Je prendrai un burger avec tout ce qu'il faut.

Idiom 'the works' meaning 'everything'.

This medicine works quickly.

Ce médicament agit rapidement.

'Works' describing the effectiveness of a treatment.

He works out at the gym.

Il fait du sport à la salle.

Phrasal verb 'work out' in the third person.

The collected works of Shakespeare are on the shelf.

Les œuvres complètes de Shakespeare sont sur l'étagère.

'Collected works' refers to an author's entire output.

A spanner in the works ruined our plans.

Un grain de sable a ruiné nos plans.

Idiom meaning something that causes a problem.

The waterworks supply the whole city.

Le service des eaux alimente toute la ville.

'Waterworks' is a specific industrial term.

He works under a lot of pressure.

Il travaille sous beaucoup de pression.

Prepositional phrase 'under pressure'.

The early works of the artist are quite different.

Les premières œuvres de l'artiste sont assez différentes.

'Early works' refers to a specific period of creation.

This software works in conjunction with the hardware.

Ce logiciel fonctionne en conjonction avec le matériel.

Formal phrase 'in conjunction with'.

She works as a consultant for various firms.

Elle travaille comme consultante pour diverses entreprises.

Plural 'firms' after 'for'.

The internal works of the engine were damaged.

Le mécanisme interne du moteur a été endommagé.

'Internal works' is a technical description.

The scholar analyzed the theological works of the 17th century.

L'érudit a analysé les œuvres théologiques du XVIIe siècle.

Adjective 'theological' modifying 'works'.

Public works projects often face budget overruns.

Les projets de travaux publics sont souvent confrontés à des dépassements de budget.

'Public works projects' as a complex noun phrase.

He works tirelessly to promote human rights.

Il travaille sans relâche pour promouvoir les droits de l'homme.

Adverb 'tirelessly' emphasizing effort.

The museum is dedicated to the works of local artisans.

Le musée est dédié aux œuvres des artisans locaux.

Passive voice 'is dedicated to'.

The intricate works of the watch were a marvel of engineering.

Le mécanisme complexe de la montre était une merveille d'ingénierie.

'Intricate' describes the complexity of the 'works'.

This theory works on the assumption that markets are rational.

Cette théorie repose sur l'hypothèse que les marchés sont rationnels.

'Works on the assumption' is a formal academic phrase.

The steelworks provided jobs for the entire town.

L'aciérie fournissait des emplois à toute la ville.

'Steelworks' as a singular or plural industrial noun.

She works in a field that is constantly evolving.

Elle travaille dans un domaine qui évolue constamment.

Relative clause 'that is constantly evolving'.

The philosopher's seminal works redefined modern ethics.

Les œuvres séminales du philosophe ont redéfini l'éthique moderne.

'Seminal works' refers to highly influential creations.

The sheer scale of the public works was unprecedented.

L'ampleur même des travaux publics était sans précédent.

'Sheer scale' emphasizes the size of the 'works'.

He works within a framework of strict ethical guidelines.

Il travaille dans le cadre de directives éthiques strictes.

'Works within a framework' is a high-level professional phrase.

The complete works of the poet were published posthumously.

Les œuvres complètes du poète ont été publiées à titre posthume.

'Posthumously' means after death.

The internal works of the political machine were exposed by the journalist.

Les rouages internes de la machine politique ont été exposés par le journaliste.

Metaphorical use of 'works' for a political system.

The city's waterworks are undergoing a massive overhaul.

Le service des eaux de la ville subit une révision massive.

'Overhaul' means a complete repair or renovation.

She works at the intersection of technology and art.

Elle travaille à l'intersection de la technologie et de l'art.

Abstract use of 'works at the intersection'.

The works of mercy are central to many religious traditions.

Les œuvres de miséricorde sont au cœur de nombreuses traditions religieuses.

Fixed religious/philosophical phrase 'works of mercy'.

Common Collocations

works hard

works well

works for

works at

public works

collected works

works of art

iron works

works out

it works

Common Phrases

That works for me.

— That is convenient or acceptable for me.

Meeting at 5 PM? That works for me.

The works

— Everything; all the features or toppings.

I want a hot dog with the works.

Works like a charm

— Functions perfectly or very effectively.

This new software works like a charm.

All in a day's work

— Something that is a normal part of one's job.

Saving lives is all in a day's work for a doctor.

Spanner in the works

— Something that causes a plan to fail.

The rain threw a spanner in the works of our picnic.

Works of mercy

— Acts of kindness or charity.

Feeding the hungry is one of the works of mercy.

In the works

— Being planned or developed.

A new movie is in the works.

Dirty works

— Unpleasant or dishonest tasks.

He made his assistant do all the dirty works.

Works both ways

— Applies to both people or situations.

Respect works both ways in a relationship.

Works a treat

— Works very well (British English).

This new cream works a treat on dry skin.

Often Confused With

works vs walks

Sounds similar but means moving on feet. 'He walks to work' vs 'He works at the office'.

works vs work

The base form. Used for I/you/we/they or as an uncountable noun.

works vs jobs

Nouns referring to specific roles. 'He has two jobs' vs 'He works two jobs'.

Idioms & Expressions

"The whole works"

— The entire thing, including all parts.

He sold the house, the furniture, the whole works.

informal

"Throw a monkey wrench in the works"

— To sabotage or disrupt a plan.

The sudden strike threw a monkey wrench in the works.

informal

"Works wonders"

— To be very effective in improving a situation.

A good night's sleep works wonders.

neutral

"Works like a dog"

— To work very hard.

She works like a dog to get the promotion.

informal

"Many hands make light work"

— Tasks are easier when many people help.

Let's all help clean up; many hands make light work.

proverb

"Work one's fingers to the bone"

— To work extremely hard for a long time.

He worked his fingers to the bone to pay for college.

idiomatic

"The works of the devil"

— Evil or harmful actions.

Some people see technology as the works of the devil.

literary

"Gum up the works"

— To prevent a process from running smoothly.

Too much bureaucracy can gum up the works.

informal

"Works for peanuts"

— To work for very little money.

He's so desperate he'll work for peanuts.

slang

"A work in progress"

— Something that is not yet finished.

My painting is still a work in progress.

neutral

Easily Confused

works vs Work

Same root, different grammar.

Work is uncountable (labor) or a verb for I/you/we/they. Works is singular verb or countable noun for art/machines.

I have work to do. He works hard.

works vs Job

Similar meaning in employment.

Job is a countable noun for a position. Work is usually uncountable. Works is a verb or a different type of noun.

He has a good job. He works well.

works vs Worker

Refers to the person.

Worker is the person who does the work. Works is the action or the result.

The worker works at the works.

works vs Writings

Similar to artistic works.

Writings specifically refers to text. Works can be art, music, or machines.

I enjoy his writings. I enjoy his works.

works vs Mechanism

Similar to mechanical works.

Mechanism is more technical and singular. Works is more traditional and plural.

The mechanism is broken. The works are broken.

Sentence Patterns

He works at [Place].

He works at the bank.

It works [Adverb].

It works well.

The works of [Artist] are [Adjective].

The works of Picasso are famous.

That works for [Person].

That works for me.

The works of the [Machine] are [Adjective].

The works of the clock are intricate.

[Adjective] works of [Field].

Philosophical works of the 18th century.

Works in [Field].

She works in the field of genetics.

The [Adjective] works were [Verb] posthumously.

The complete works were published posthumously.

Word Family

Nouns

work

worker

workplace

workmanship

workload

workout

Verbs

work

rework

overwork

Adjectives

workable

working

workaholic

labor

employment

task

creation

mechanism

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

They works here. → They work here.
Use 'work' for plural subjects like 'they'.
I have many works to do. → I have a lot of work to do.
General labor is uncountable in English.
The works of the clock is broken. → The works of the clock are broken.
As a noun for parts, 'works' is plural.
She work at the bank. → She works at the bank.
Third-person singular 'she' requires the 's' ending.
The plan work well. → The plan works well.
'Plan' is a singular subject, so use 'works'.

Tips

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always pair 'works' with he, she, it, or a singular noun when using it as a verb.

Artistic Context

Use 'works' to describe the output of artists, writers, and musicians for a more professional tone.

Ordering Food

Say 'with the works' if you want all the toppings on your sandwich or burger.

The 'ER' Sound

Make sure the vowel in 'works' sounds like 'her' or 'bird', not like 'fork'.

Mechanical Parts

Use 'the works' to refer to the internal gears of a watch or clock.

Making Plans

Use 'That works for me' to show you agree with a suggested time or place.

Factories

Remember that 'works' can be part of a factory name, like 'ironworks'.

Avoid Repetition

Switch between 'works', 'creations', and 'productions' when writing about art.

Context Clues

If you hear 'works' after a name, it's probably a verb. If it's after 'the', it's probably a noun.

Seminal Works

Use the phrase 'seminal works' to describe very important books or studies in a field.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Works' as 'W-O-R-K' plus 'S' for 'Successful' or 'System'. If it works, it is successful!

Visual Association

Imagine a clock with many gears turning. Those gears are the 'works' of the clock, making it 'work'.

Word Web

Job Machine Art Factory Mechanism Success Effort Creation

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using 'works' in three different ways: as a verb, as an artistic noun, and as a mechanical noun.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English 'weorc' and Proto-Germanic 'werka'. It has cognates in many Germanic languages like German 'Werk' and Dutch 'werk'.

Original meaning: The original meaning referred to physical labor, deeds, or something constructed.

Germanic / Indo-European

Cultural Context

Be careful not to confuse 'works' (factory) with 'workhouse,' which has a very negative historical connotation in the UK.

The phrase 'That works for me' is a staple of polite social coordination in the US, UK, and Australia.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare The Public Works Administration (PWA) in US history The Works (Album by the band Queen)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Employment

works as a
works for
works at
works hard

Art & Literature

works of art
collected works
early works
major works

Technology

it works
doesn't work
works perfectly
the works of a watch

Social Planning

that works for me
if that works
whatever works
works best

Industry

public works
steelworks
waterworks
at the works

Conversation Starters

"Does your phone still work after you dropped it?"

"Which works of art do you find most inspiring?"

"What time works best for our meeting tomorrow?"

"Do you know anyone who works as a doctor?"

"Have you ever read the collected works of a famous author?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a project you are working on that really works well for you.

Write about a time when a plan didn't work and how you fixed it.

Which artist's works would you like to see in a museum?

Reflect on how your daily schedule works for your personal life.

Imagine you are designing the works of a new machine. What would it do?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It depends! As a verb, it is singular (He works). As a noun, it is plural (The works of art).

No, you should say 'I have a lot of work to do' because work as labor is uncountable.

It means the pizza has every available topping, like pepperoni, onions, peppers, and olives.

It can be both! You can say 'The steelworks is closing' or 'The steelworks are closing'.

Use it to refer to their creations, like 'I love the early works of Van Gogh'.

'Work' is the general activity. 'Works' is either the third-person verb form or a specific set of results (like art).

Yes, you can say 'The computer works' to mean it is functioning correctly.

It is a British idiom meaning something that ruins a plan or process.

It can be both. 'Works of art' is formal, while 'the works' on a burger is informal.

It refers to large-scale construction projects for the public, like roads and bridges.