Meaning trap
work out
exercise
to do physical activity or exercise, especially to get fit or stay healthy.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to do physical activity or exercise, especially to get fit or stay healthy.
Another meaning of 'work out' is 'solve or understand'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- I try to work out at the gym three times a week.health
- Personally, I believe working out regularly is important for both physical and mental health.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: work out (no object) | work out at [place]
WrongI make workout three times a week.
RightI work out three times a week. / I do a workout three times a week.
'Work out' is the verb; 'a workout' is the noun. Don't say 'make workout'.
Patternwork out (no object) | work out at [place]
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Work out' is the everyday verb for exercising; 'engage in resistance training' is fitness-manual formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
work out + exerciseat the gymevery morninghardregularly
Don't confuse it
Not about solving problems—this sense is only about physical exercise.
Related
- work out (solve or understand) — Another meaning of 'work out' is 'solve or understand'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.