WORK THROUGH

National Parks

📖 Definition

To 'work through' means to deal with or resolve something, often challenges or tasks, by applying effort, thought, and perseverance, step by step.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To 'work through' means to deal with or resolve something, often challenges or tasks, by applying effort, thought, and perseverance, step by step.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The object cannot split the phrasal verb.
Register
Neutral
Suitable for both informal and formal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
Requires a direct object to make sense.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple work through He works through problems methodically.
Past Simple worked through She worked through the project's complications.
Present Continuous working through They are working through a backlog of emails.
Present Perfect have worked through We have worked through all possible scenarios.

💡 When to Use

Facing a difficult task
When you encounter a challenging task that requires meticulous attention and effort, use 'work through' to describe your approach.
Example: "She had to work through the complex legal documents."
Emotional processing
Use 'work through' to describe the ongoing process of managing or understanding emotions after an event.
Example: "He is working through his grief after the loss."
Project management
In the context of managing or completing a project, 'work through' describes systematically addressing each component or step.
Example: "The team worked through the project outline meticulously."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement
❌ Wrong: He works problems through quickly.
✅ Correct: He works through problems quickly.
💡 Tip: Remember, 'work through' should stay together.
Omitting necessary object
❌ Wrong: He worked through during the meeting.
✅ Correct: He worked through the agenda during the meeting.
💡 Tip: Always specify what you're working through.
Using non-transitive sense
❌ Wrong: We are working through without a task.
✅ Correct: We are working through the issues without a task.
💡 Tip: Ensure there's an object after 'work through'.
Practice

WORK THROUGH - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

tackle navigate

Antonyms

avoid

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"She needs to ___ her fears to move forward."

work around
work through
work over
work under

"To successfully work through challenges means embracing the process, for it builds resilience and wisdom over time, not just solutions."

In Context

Nelson Mandela, the renowned anti-apartheid revolutionary, spent decades working through monumental obstacles in his quest for justice and equality in South Africa. Born in 1918, Mandela grew up witnessing racial discrimination under apartheid. His relentless pursuit of freedom began with co-founding the African National Congress Youth League in 1944, where he worked through grassroots campaigns to dismantle oppressive systems. Arrested in 1962, Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island. Despite harsh conditions, he continually encouraged his fellow inmates to work through their despair by focusing on education and resilience, turning the prison into a university of struggle. After 27 years behind bars, Mandela was released in 1990. With apartheid laws crumbling, he worked through rigorous negotiations with the government, striving to maintain peace and unity. In 1994, Mandela's tireless efforts culminated in his election as South Africa's first black president, marking a new era of hope. Even then, he continued working through the nation's healing process, advocating for reconciliation and equality. Mandela's life shows that working through adversity often requires unwavering determination, patience, and a vision that extends beyond personal gain. His legacy remains a testament to the perseverance required to effect genuine change.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Work Through

What is the origin of work through?

+
The phrase 'work through' likely originated from the physical act of labor, representing the process of moving step by step to accomplish tasks, evolving to include dealing emotionally and intellectually with non-physical tasks.

Can work through be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Work through' is neutral and versatile, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It effectively describes dealing with various challenges, whether emotional, professional, or academic.

What is the difference between work through and tackle?

+
'Work through' involves a process of careful, methodical handling, often emphasizing perseverance, whereas 'tackle' suggests a more direct or aggressive approach to resolving an issue quickly.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

push throughkeep upget startedslow downbreak in
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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