work out — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings

Meaning 1 · most common

exercise

A scene showing “work out” meaning “exercise”.

to do physical activity or exercise, especially to get fit or stay healthy.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I try to work out at the gym three times a week.

A: You look great! Have you been working out?
B: Yeah, I started going for runs in the mornings.

Common mistake

Not: I make workout three times a week.

Say: I work out three times a week. / I do a workout three times a week.

'Work out' is the verb; 'a workout' is the noun. Don't say 'make workout'.

More on “exercise”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Personally, I believe working out regularly is important for both physical and mental health.

Tell it apart

I work out before breakfast.

  • exercise

I worked out the cost in my head.

  • calculated it

Goes with

  • work out + exercise
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Next meaning: solve or understand

Meaning 2

solve or understand

  • work out sth
A scene showing “work out” meaning “solve or understand”.

to find the answer to something by thinking or calculating; to understand something after considering it.

How oftenVery common
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

It took me a while to work out the answer to the math problem.

A: Do you know how this machine works?
B: Not yet, but I'll work it out.

Common mistake

Not: I can't work out this.

Say: I can't work it out.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'work it out'.

More on “solve or understand”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it's important to work out solutions to problems independently before asking for help.

Tell it apart

I worked out the total in my head.

  • calculated / figured out

I work out at the gym most mornings.

  • exercise

Goes with

  • work out + answer
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Next meaning: develop successfully
A scene showing “work out” meaning “develop successfully”.

to happen or develop in a good or successful way.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Everything worked out in the end, and we caught our flight.

A: How was your job interview?
B: It worked out better than I expected!

Common mistake

Not: Don't worry, it'll work out to the best.

Say: Don't worry, it'll work out for the best.

The set phrase is 'work out for the best' — not 'to the best'.

More on “develop successfully”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Sometimes, even if you face difficulties, things can work out if you stay positive.

Tell it apart

Things worked out in the end.

  • developed well

I worked out the answer.

  • calculated / figured it out

Goes with

  • work out + outcome
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