Work is a versatile verb that describes the act of performing labor, tasks, or activities, often to achieve a specific goal or produce a result. It can refer to both paid employment and other forms of effort or functioning.
- Meaning: To perform labor, tasks, or activities; to function effectively.
- Usage: Can be used for physical, mental, paid, unpaid, individual, or collective activities.
- Forms: work (base), works (3rd sing. pres.), worked (past), working (gerund/participle).
To perform labor or tasks, and also to function.
Yes, 'work' can describe both paid and unpaid activities.
work, works, worked, working
Conjugation
| Tense | Example |
|---|---|
| Base/Infinitive | work / to work |
| Present | I/You/We/They work; He/She works |
| Past | worked |
| Participle | working (present), worked (past) |
Conjugation: work, works, worked, working
worked
works
Examples
- She works as a teacher.
- They worked all night to finish the project.
- The machine works perfectly.
- I am working on a new idea.
Correct uses include both employment and functional contexts.
Yes. For example, 'The machine works well.'
'Working' is used for ongoing (progressive) actions.
Conclusion
The verb work is essential for describing labor, effort, and functionality across a range of contexts, from employment to machinery.
- It covers both physical and mental activities, as well as paid and unpaid roles.
- Common forms include work, works, worked, and working.
- Examples: "She works hard," "The plan worked," "I am working now."
'Work' means to perform labor or tasks.
Yes, e.g., 'The machine works well.'
work, works, worked, working