How to say “work out” like a native speaker
This can mean solve a problem, develop successfully or exercise. Use the rest of the sentence to decide which meaning is intended.
All phrases · Workplace
Hear “work out” in real speech
Clip 1 · Adam Grant
The surprising habits of original thinkers | Adam Grant | TED · 0:26
About this video
Adam Grant discusses the habits of people who develop original ideas. He begins with a student's business proposal and later compares businesses that enter a market first with those that improve on an existing idea.
In context
And I said, "OK, you guys spent the whole summer on this, right?""No, we all took internships just in case it doesn't work out."
"All right, but you're going to go in full time once you graduate."
Clip 2 · Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address · 2:42
About this video
Steve Jobs tells Stanford's 2005 graduates three stories from his life. He begins with “connecting the dots” and discusses later experiences that include starting NeXT and Pixar.
In context
And here I was spending all of the money my parents had saved their entire life.So I decided to drop out and trust that it would all work out OK.
It was pretty scary at the time, but looking back it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Clip 3 · Brené Brown
The Power of Vulnerability | Brené Brown | TED · 10:38
About this video
Brené Brown talks about vulnerability and human connection. She begins with an event planner's difficulty describing her as both a researcher and a storyteller, then discusses the uncertainty involved in relationships.
In context
the willingness to breathe through waiting for the doctor to call after your mammogram.They're willing to invest in a relationship that may or may not work out.
They thought this was fundamental.
When to use “work out”
- Solving a shared bill: “Let's work out how much each person owes.”
- Describing an exercise habit: “I work out before breakfast.”
Common learner mistake
The verb is two words, “work out”; the exercise noun is one word, “a workout”.
Possible connected-speech patterns in “work out”
Link the K in “work” to the opening vowel of “out”. Keep the final T brief rather than adding an extra vowel.
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