1 B1 neutral
To methodically complete a set of tasks, problems, or items one by one.
"We worked through the entire agenda in one afternoon and resolved every outstanding issue."
inseparable
work through
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To deal with a problem, task, or difficult emotion in a careful and methodical way until it is resolved or completed.
In plain English
To slowly deal with something difficult, step by step, until you get past it.
What does "work through" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To gradually process and come to terms with a difficult emotion, experience, or problem.
"It took her several years of therapy to work through the grief of losing her brother."
inseparable
3 C1 neutral
To have an effect that moves through a system or process gradually over time.
"The interest rate cut will take months to work through the economy."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To work your way through something from one side to the other — fairly transparent.
Actually means
To slowly deal with something difficult, step by step, until you get past it.
Usage tip
Widely used in both practical and emotional/psychological contexts. In therapy and counselling, 'working through' emotions or trauma is a standard term. In professional contexts, it means methodically completing a list or set of problems. Can take 'with' to indicate a helper ('work through something with someone').
Words that pair with "work through"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
problems issues grief trauma list backlog feelings disagreement
How to conjugate "work through"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
work through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
works through
he/she/it
Past simple
worked through
yesterday
Past participle
worked through
have + pp
-ing form
working through
continuous
Hear "work through" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "work through" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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