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work on — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
work on
to spend time improving or trying to achieve somethingto try to influence or persuade someone gradually

Meaning 1 · most common

to spend time improving or trying to achieve something

  • work on sth
A scene showing “work on” meaning “put effort into improving”.

to put effort into making something better or to try to achieve a goal over time.

How oftenVery common
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I'm working on my English pronunciation every day.

A: What are you doing this weekend?
B: I'm going to work on my presentation for class.

Common mistake

Not: I'm working on improve my English.

Say: I'm working on improving my English.

'Work on + noun or -ing', not a bare infinitive.

More on “to spend time improving or trying to achieve something”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

To be honest, I still make mistakes when I speak, but I'm working on my confidence by practicing with friends.

Tell it apart

I'm working on my serve.

  • trying to improve it

I'm working with a coach.

  • alongside them

Goes with

  • work on + goal
Practice saying this
Next meaning: to try to influence or persuade someone gradually

Meaning 2

to try to influence or persuade someone gradually

  • work on person
A scene showing “work on” meaning “slowly try to persuade”.

to attempt to change someone's opinion, attitude, or behaviour over time, often through subtle or persistent effort.

How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

She’s been working on her boss for weeks to get approval for the new project.

A: I can’t believe he finally agreed to come hiking with us.
B: Well, I’ve been working on him for ages. He just needed a little convincing.

Common mistake

Not: I'm still working my dad to let me go.

Say: I'm still working on my dad to let me go.

'Work ON' a person (persuade) — don't drop 'on'.

More on “to try to influence or persuade someone gradually”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Some students argue that teachers should work on parents as well as pupils to create a more supportive learning environment.

Tell it apart

I'm working on my boss for a raise.

  • gradually persuading her

I'm working on a report for my boss.

  • producing it

Goes with

  • work on + person
Practice saying this
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to spend time improving or trying to achieve somethingto try to influence or persuade someone gradually