working - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
working Word Meanings
- to perform tasks or activities
- to function or operate
- a piece of art or literature
working Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
working Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/wɜːk/
US
/wɜrk/
working Word Etymology
work = werc (root) + -an (suffix); Old English → Germanic → English. Imagine an artisan busily crafting a piece of furniture, making it functional and beautiful.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I reach out, move my hand, and press the switch. The screen glows and the device shifts its rhythm as I adjust the settings. I keep an eye on the progress, feel the push and pull of small decisions, and hold the line until things settle into place. The sense of work arrives as I stay engaged, letting the task unfold and the tool do its part.
Real Context
Work has two broad senses in English: as a verb meaning to perform tasks or to operate, and as a noun referring to tasks themselves, a job, or the products of creativity, such as an art work. In daily life we say I work from nine to five, or this machine works, and we refer to a project as the work we are doing. When talking about art or literature, work means a finished piece, not just effort. Learners often confuse work with job, or with employment, and may use work on a person or a machine with the wrong preposition. Remember phrasal verbs like work out, work on, and how tense affects meaning.
Usage Reminders
- Two main senses: work as a verb and as a noun.
- Noun can mean job, task, or an art piece.
- Use on, at, or with with the right prepositions (work on a project, work at a company, work with someone).
- For machines, subject-verb agreement matters: the machine works, not the machine work.
- I am working vs I work marks ongoing action vs habit.
Common Misconceptions
- Think work only means a job; it also means to operate or function.
- Mixing up I work at a company vs I work in a company; both possible but different prepositions matter.
- Assuming a is a work of art means it is a 'work' as a noun for art; use 'a work of art'.
- Confusing work on a project with work on a person; correct is work on a project or work with a person.
- Treating work as countable always; use 'the work' for tasks and 'a work' mainly for art pieces.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker that work spans both duties and creations, so learners must distinguish job-focused contexts from product-focused ones and notice tense and preposition cues.
Learning Tips
- Learn the two main senses (verb and noun).
- memorize common collocations like work on a project and work out a solution.
- Pay attention to subject-verb agreement with singular nouns (the machine works).
- Distinguish art related usage: a work of art, not just work.
- Practice differencing I am working vs I work in everyday contexts.
- Note American vs British phrasing for certain predicates.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'working'?
A.Running
B.Functioning
C.Sleeping
D.Jumping
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'working' correctly?
A.He is working a few hours ago.
B.She was working on her painting all day.
C.They are working a party next weekend.
D.I working to the store yesterday.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a similar word to 'working'?
A.Crying
B.Employed
C.Laughing
D.Singing
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'working'?
A.Dancing
B.Resting
C.Studying
D.Cooking
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario of 'working'?
A.Attending a meeting
B.Cooking dinner
C.Watching TV
D.Playing video games
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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