1 B2 neutral
To plan or calculate by starting from a fixed end point and working towards the beginning in reverse order.
"If the launch is on the 1st, let's work back and figure out when each stage needs to be completed."
inseparable
work back
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To reason, calculate, or plan by starting from a known end point and moving back towards the beginning.
In plain English
To figure something out by starting at the end and going backwards.
What does "work back" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To reconstruct a sequence of events by reasoning backwards from what is known.
"The investigators worked back from the time of death to establish when the victim had last been seen."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To work in a backwards direction — transparent.
Actually means
To figure something out by starting at the end and going backwards.
Usage tip
Common in planning, project management, and mathematical contexts. Often used with 'from' ('work back from the deadline'). Also used in investigative contexts when trying to reconstruct a sequence of events.
Words that pair with "work back"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
deadline date goal target end point result timeline
How to conjugate "work back"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
work back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
works back
he/she/it
Past simple
worked back
yesterday
Past participle
worked back
have + pp
-ing form
working back
continuous
Hear "work back" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "work back" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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