Meaning trap
work on
to spend time improving or trying to achieve something
to put effort into making something better or to try to achieve a goal over time.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to put effort into making something better or to try to achieve a goal over time.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- I'm working on my English pronunciation every day.daily life
- To be honest, I still make mistakes when I speak, but I'm working on my confidence by practicing with friends.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: work on + noun/pronoun
WrongI'm working on improve my English.
RightI'm working on improving my English.
'Work on + noun or -ing', not a bare infinitive.
Patternwork on + noun/pronoun
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Work on' is the everyday verb for putting effort into improving something; 'endeavouring to enhance' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
work on + goalmy Englishthe projectyour fitnessit
Don't confuse it
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).