Unit 23: Work
Can-do Statement
I can understand and use everyday English to talk about work, effort, solving problems, and progress.
Many phrasal verbs with work have different meanings. Some mean "try hard", some mean "solve", and some mean "cause a feeling". Learning them helps you speak naturally in English.
Visual Context
Target Vocabulary
work sth off
Remove something by exercise or effort.
Example: I went for a run to work off the extra calories.
work on sth
Spend time improving, making, or developing something.
Example: She is working on a new report.
work at sth
Try hard to improve a skill or achieve something.
Example: You must work at your English every day.
work together on sth
Cooperate with other people on a task.
Example: We worked together on the presentation.
work out
Be successful or end well.
Example: Everything worked out in the end.
work sth out
Find an answer, solution, or result.
Example: Can you work out this problem?
work sth over
Change or improve something carefully.
Example: She worked the article over before publishing it.
work around sth
Find a way to deal with a problem without removing it.
Example: We found a way to work around the software issue.
work through sth
Deal with a difficult problem step by step.
Example: They worked through their disagreements.
work towards sth
Make progress toward a goal.
Example: She is working towards a promotion.
work sb into a frenzy / panic / state
Cause someone to become very excited, worried, or emotional.
Example: The news worked everyone into a panic.
work sb up
Make someone become emotional, nervous, or excited.
Example: Don't work yourself up about the exam.
work sth up
Create or develop a feeling, plan, or amount.
Example: He worked up the courage to speak.
work up to sth
Gradually prepare for something more difficult.
Example: Start small and work up to longer runs.
Meaning Groups
1. Working on a task
- work on sth
- work at sth
- work together on sth
- work over sth
These phrasal verbs describe effort, improvement, and cooperation.
2. Solving problems
- work out
- work sth out
- work around sth
- work through sth
These phrasal verbs describe finding solutions or handling difficulties.
3. Progress and goals
- work towards sth
- work up to sth
These phrasal verbs describe moving step by step toward a goal.
4. Feelings and emotions
- work sb up
- work sth up
- work sb into a panic/frenzy/state
These phrasal verbs describe creating or increasing emotions.
Useful Patterns
Pattern A: work on + noun
work on a project
work on a report
work on a problem
Pattern B: work towards + goal
work towards success
work towards promotion
work towards better health
Pattern C: work up + noun
work up courage
work up enthusiasm
work up confidence
Worked Examples
Example 1
Situation: Maria wants to improve her English.
Sentence: Maria works at her English every day.
Why? "Work at" means make a continuous effort to improve.
Example 2
Situation: A team is creating a new website.
Sentence: The team is working together on the new website.
Why? Several people are cooperating on one task.
Example 3
Situation: A difficult maths problem has a solution.
Sentence: We finally worked out the answer.
Why? "Work out" means find the solution.
Quick Review
- work on = spend time improving something
- work at = try hard to improve
- work together on = cooperate
- work out = succeed / find a solution
- work around = find another way
- work through = deal with difficulties step by step
- work towards = move toward a goal
- work up = create a feeling
- work up to = prepare gradually
- work off = remove through effort
🔑 Đáp án & Giải thích
work on sth: làm việc để phát triển hoặc cải thiện một việc gì đó.
work at sth: cố gắng và luyện tập liên tục để giỏi hơn.
work together on sth: cùng nhau hợp tác làm một nhiệm vụ.
work out: thành công hoặc tìm ra lời giải.
work sth out: tính toán, giải quyết hoặc tìm câu trả lời.
work around sth: tìm cách khác để xử lý một vấn đề.
work through sth: giải quyết khó khăn từng bước.
work towards sth: hướng tới và tiến dần đến mục tiêu.
work sb up / work sth up: làm cho cảm xúc tăng lên hoặc tạo ra cảm xúc.
work up to sth: chuẩn bị từ từ cho việc khó hơn.
work sth off: loại bỏ bằng nỗ lực hoặc vận động.