Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

The Phrasal Verb 'Work to': Meaning & Usage

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb "work to" means to exert effort or energy towards achieving a specific aim or result. It often involves steps or strategies to accomplish a goal or overcome an obstacle.

Examples in context

Company leaders work to foster a positive culture within their teams.
Jane works to maintain her health through regular exercise and a balanced diet.
The team is working to optimize the app for better user experience.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb "work to" means to exert effort or energy towards achieving a specific aim or result. It often involves steps or strategies to accomplish a goal or overcome an obstacle.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The object or result always follows the phrasal verb, maintaining its structure.

Neutral

This expression can be used in both casual and professional contexts without changing meaning.

Transitive

Yes

It requires an object or goal to complete the meaning, indicating what is being achieved.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	work to	I work to improve my language skills daily.
Past Simple	worked to	She worked to complete the project on time.
Present Continuous	working to	They are working to resolve the issues reported.
Present Perfect	have worked to	We have worked to enhance our services over the years.

💡 When to Use

Setting personal goals

Use this phrase to describe efforts you make towards achieving personal goals or objectives, indicating a concerted effort.

Example: "He works to balance his job and family life effectively."

In professional development

In professional settings, use it to describe efforts towards career advancement or skill enhancement.

Example: "She is working to become the team leader by learning new skills."

Problem-solving

This can describe efforts made to solve problems or overcome challenges, emphasizing strategic approaches.

Example: "We are working to solve the technical issues promptly."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect verb form

❌ Wrong: They works to achieve their goals.

✅ Correct: They work to achieve their goals.

💡 Tip: Ensure the verb agrees with the subject in number.

Incorrect use of preposition

❌ Wrong: She works for solve the issue.

✅ Correct: She works to solve the issue.

💡 Tip: Use 'to' to indicate purpose or aim, not 'for'.

Using without an object

❌ Wrong: He worked to without a plan.

✅ Correct: He worked to develop a plan.

💡 Tip: Always include the goal or object of the effort.

Practice

WORK TO - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

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

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

Company leaders work to foster a positive culture within their teams.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Jane works to maintain her health through regular exercise and a balanced diet.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

The team is working to optimize the app for better user experience.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

strive to endeavor to

Antonyms

neglect

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"She is _____ to finish her thesis by the deadline."

working for

work to

works by

work at

"When you work to refine character, every obstacle becomes a stepping stone towards a more enlightened and fulfilled life journey."

In Context

In the late 19th century, during the height of industrialization, Henry Ford was a budding mechanic dreaming of revolutionizing transportation. He tirelessly worked to perfect his vision of the automobile, persistently refining his designs. Initially, he faced numerous failures, from faulty engines to rejected prototypes. Determined, Ford worked to align his team with a shared goal, investing in innovative production techniques. His relentless efforts led to the creation of the Model T, a vehicle affordable for the masses. Ford didn’t stop there; he continued to work to enhance manufacturing efficiency, pioneering the assembly line. This not only lowered production costs but also significantly reduced the time to build a car. The breakthrough model became immensely popular, making personal transportation accessible to many. More than a businessman, Ford worked to uplift his workforce, introducing higher wages and better working conditions. His forward-thinking approach transformed the automobile industry while shaping modern industrial labor practices. Ultimately, Ford’s dedication and vision forged a path that altered how society interacted with technology, symbolizing what it means to relentlessly work to achieve transformative change.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Work To

What is the origin of work to?

The phrase 'work to' has its roots in the English language as a combination of 'work', meaning effort or labor, and 'to', a preposition indicating direction or purpose. It has been used since the early 1900s to express purpose-driven actions or tasks.

Can work to be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'work to' is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. In formal settings, it can describe strategic efforts in a professional environment, while in informal contexts, it reflects personal goal-oriented activities or pursuits.

What is the difference between work to and strive to?

'Work to' often implies structured, ongoing efforts towards a goal, while 'strive to' suggests a more intense or earnest attempt, sometimes against difficulty. Both involve effort, but 'strive' can imply a greater challenge or ambition.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

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

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

WORK TO - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Work To

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega