1 B1 neutral
To find space for something in a plan, schedule, or piece of writing and include it there.
"Can you work in a reference to our new product somewhere in the presentation?"
separable
work in
B2 neutral separable transitive
To include or introduce something into an existing plan, schedule, or mixture, often with some effort.
In plain English
To fit something into a plan or mix something into something else.
What does "work in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To gradually mix or blend a substance into another material, especially in cooking or craft.
"Work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To introduce something 'into' something else — fairly transparent in the physical/cooking sense.
Actually means
To fit something into a plan or mix something into something else.
Usage tip
Has two distinct uses: (1) including something in a schedule or piece of work, and (2) physically mixing or incorporating something into a substance (e.g. in cooking or craft). Both senses are common. In the scheduling sense, it implies that fitting something in requires a degree of effort or reorganisation.
Words that pair with "work in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
reference appointment joke butter flour comment meeting
How to conjugate "work in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
work in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
works in
he/she/it
Past simple
worked in
yesterday
Past participle
worked in
have + pp
-ing form
working in
continuous
Hear "work in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "work in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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