to put effort into making something better or to try to achieve a goal over time.
I'm working on my English pronunciation every day.
A: What are you doing this weekend? B: I'm going to work on my presentation for class.
To be honest, I still make mistakes when I speak, but I'm working on my confidence by practicing with friends.
Common mistake
✗I'm working on improve my English.
✓I'm working on improving my English.
'Work on + noun or -ing', not a bare infinitive.
Tell it apart
I'm working on my serve.
trying to improve it
I'm working with a coach.
alongside them
Use 'work on' when you are talking about making progress or trying to get better at something, like a skill, a project, or even a relationship.Don't confuse with 'work for' (meaning to be employed by someone) or 'work at' (meaning to put effort into something, but often used for places or general effort).
to attempt to change someone's opinion, attitude, or behaviour over time, often through subtle or persistent effort.
She’s been working on her boss for weeks to get approval for the new project.
A: I can’t believe he finally agreed to come hiking with us. B: Well, I’ve been working on him for ages. He just needed a little convincing.
Some students argue that teachers should work on parents as well as pupils to create a more supportive learning environment.
Common mistake
✗I'm still working my dad to let me go.
✓I'm still working on my dad to let me go.
'Work ON' a person (persuade) — don't drop 'on'.
Tell it apart
I'm working on my boss for a raise.
gradually persuading her
I'm working on a report for my boss.
producing it
'Work on' in this sense is used when you are trying to persuade or change someone’s mind, not when you are improving a skill or object. It is neutral in register and common in both spoken and written English.Unlike the B1 sense, which is about improving something (e.g. 'work on my English'), this sense is about influencing a person over time (e.g. 'work on my parents').