work

Everyday

1. To work means to do a job, often to earn money. tree →
2. To work means to try hard to do or learn something: «work on your spelling». tree →
3. Work is the place where you have a job: «Dad is at work». tree →
4. A machine works when it does its job and is not broken. tree →
5. A plan works when it is a success. tree →
6. A work is something made, like a work of art. tree →

In the lessons

In school maths: hours worked, pay per hour, work done per day; «show your work» (write your steps). In everyday life: grown-ups go to work, homework, schoolwork, group work, teamwork. In science: work is done when a force moves something. Phrases: «at work», «work out» (solve, or exercise), «work hard», «homework», «work together», «out of work».

Examples

• She works 8 hours a day. tree →
• He earns 12 dollars for each hour of work. tree →
• How much does he earn for 5 days of work? tree →
• They worked for 3 hours. tree →
• Mum goes to work by train. tree →
• Can you work out the answer in your head? tree →
• The TV doesn't work anymore. tree →
• Good teamwork helped us finish the model. tree →
• Show your work so the teacher can follow your steps. tree →
• We must get to work swiftly.” tree →

Note

As a noun «work» is uncountable: «a lot of work», not «a work» (but «a work of art»). «Homework» has no plural. Maths: pay = hours × rate; hours = pay ÷ rate. Trap: «show your work» means write the steps, no number; «work out» means solve.

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah work includes labor, craft and the making of the Tabernacle. It is also the activity forbidden on Shabbat.

Interpretation. Tradition counts 39 kinds of forbidden work on Shabbat, taken from the work of building the Tabernacle.

Examples

• Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work; (Torah EXO.20.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• to devise skilful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, (Torah EXO.31.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• And they made upon the breastplate plaited chains, of wreathen work of pure gold. (Torah EXO.39.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Hezekiah prospered in all his works. (Writings 2CH.32.30, JPS 1917) tree →
• Wilt Thou work wonders for the dead? (Writings PSA.88.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• How great are Thy works, O LORD! (Writings PSA.92.6, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

As a noun «work» is uncountable: «a lot of work», not «a work» (but «a work of art»). «Homework» has no plural. Maths: pay = hours × rate; hours = pay ÷ rate. Trap: «show your work» means write the steps, no number; «work out» means solve.