People use work out for finding an answer or doing physical exercise.
The idea
In everyday neutral English, a noun object can go before or after out: work the cost out or work out the cost. A pronoun goes between: work it out. Exercise takes no object.
Examples
- Maya worked out the answer on the train.
- We worked the cost out before booking.
- The clue was difficult, but Sam worked it out.
- I work out at home before breakfast.
- Their uncle works out twice a week.
- Can you work out how much paint we need?
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Watch out
Do not say work out it: put the pronoun before out. Context distinguishes solving from exercising.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct option. Can you work ___ the total? (out / up)
Show answer or example answer
out
out completes the expression for calculating the total.
Choose the correct option. I cannot work ___ out. (it / out it)
Show answer or example answer
it
it refers to the problem and fits between the verb and particle.
Choose the correct option. They ___ out at the gym yesterday. (worked / work)
Show answer or example answer
worked
worked matches the finished time yesterday.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct option. Can you work ___ the total? (out / up)
Choose the correct option. I cannot work ___ out. (it / out it)
Choose the correct option. They ___ out at the gym yesterday. (worked / work)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Keep your progress
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Describe a problem you worked out and when you work out.