WordVale

work out

to solve; to exercise; to turn out well

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (phrasal verb) to exercise or do physical activity

2. (phrasal verb) to solve a problem or find an answer by thinking carefully

3. (phrasal verb) to happen or develop in a particular way

Examples

• 1. She works out at the gym three times a week.
• 2. I need to work out the details of the plan before we start.
• 3. I hope everything works out well for you.

How to use work out

Work out is a versatile phrasal verb with three main uses: physical exercise (most common in informal contexts), solving or calculating something through thought, and how a situation unfolds or develops. The third sense is often used with an adverb to indicate the outcome (work out well/badly). It is more informal and conversational than synonyms like 'exercise' or 'resolve.'

Common phrases

• work out at the gym
• work out a solution
• work out a deal
• work things out
• work out fine

Synonyms

exercise · figure out · resolve · turn out · develop

Word family

workout (noun) · worked out (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes forget that 'work out' requires an object when meaning 'solve' (e.g., 'I worked out the answer' not 'I worked out').

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

watch out, wear off, weigh up, wind up, wrap up, zero in on

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained