SpeakUp

Grammar fix

work overtime

do extra hours at work

To stay at work and do more hours than your normal schedule, usually to finish tasks or earn extra money.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I often have to work overtime when there are big projects at the office.work
  • In my previous job, I sometimes worked overtime to meet important deadlines, especially during busy periods.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: work overtime

WrongI worked overtimes this week.

RightI worked overtime this week.

'Overtime' is uncountable here — no 'overtimes'.

Patternwork overtime

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I am obliged to perform labour beyond my contracted hours.

Natural I had to work overtime again.

Natural; 'perform labour beyond contracted hours' is HR-policy language.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • work overtime
    dopaidunpaidwork overtime to

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'work part-time' (which means working fewer hours).

Try it in Daily Speak →