English · Phrasal verb Attested

work on

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

To apply mental or physical effort to (something) in order to shape, form, improve, investigate, solve it, etc.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

áp dụng sức lực hoặc tâm trí vào một việc

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Where it’s used: Used American English

John's in the studio working on the plans for the new house.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

To exercise influence on someone.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

tác động đến ai đó

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see work, on.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Sử dụng theo nghĩa đen

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

What does “work on” mean?

To apply mental or physical effort to (something) in order to shape, form, improve, investigate, solve it, etc.

Is “work on” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.