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Meaning trap

work out

develop successfully

to happen or develop in a good or successful way.

phrasal verbB2common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

develop successfully

to happen or develop in a good or successful way.

work out (exercise)

Another meaning of 'work out' is 'exercise'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Everything worked out in the end, and we caught our flight.daily life
  • Sometimes, even if you face difficulties, things can work out if you stay positive.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: work out (no object) | work out for [someone]

WrongDon't worry, it'll work out to the best.

RightDon't worry, it'll work out for the best.

The set phrase is 'work out for the best' — not 'to the best'.

Patternwork out (no object) | work out for [someone]

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I am confident the arrangement will prove successful.

Natural I'm sure it'll all work out.

'Work out' is the natural, reassuring way to say something turns out well; the formal version is cold.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • work out + outcome
    in the endfinefor the bestbetween them

Don't confuse it

Not about effort or solving—this is about the result being good.

Try it in Daily Speak →