What does the phrasal verb “work through” mean?

What are the definitions of “work through”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Deal with, resolve a problem, often emotional.

  It took him a long time to WORK THROUGH his anger after he lost his job.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “work through”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb work through is to deal with or resolve a problem, often emotional. It means to process and overcome a difficult situation or feeling.

What are the different verb forms of “work through”?

Root Verb	work through
Third Person Singular Present	works through
Present Participle	working through
Simple Past	worked through
Past Participle	worked through

Example

She needs to work through her feelings of insecurity.

Example

He works through his problems by talking to a therapist.

Example

They are working through their relationship issues together.

Example

She worked through her grief after the loss of her pet.

Example

He has worked through his anger and is now more at peace.

What kind of phrasal verb is “work through”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“work through” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She worked through her feelings of guilt.

Example

They worked through their communication problems.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“work through” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She worked through her feelings of guilt.

Example

They worked through their communication problems.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “work through”?

Work through a book

To read or study a book thoroughly, often for educational purposes.

Example

He worked through the entire textbook before the exam.

Work through a list

To complete tasks or items on a list, one by one.

Example

She worked through her to-do list for the day.

Work through a process

To go through a series of steps or stages in order to achieve a goal or complete a task.

Example

The team worked through the project plan to ensure everything was on track.

Good things to know

Does “work through” have an informal or formal tone?

Work through is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in a professional or academic environment.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “work through”?

Synonyms

• resolve
• overcome
• process
• tackle
• confront
• address
• face
• deal with

Antonyms

• ignore
• avoid
• neglect
• dodge
• sidestep
• evade