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work through

B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To slowly deal with something difficult, step by step, until you get past it.

Literal meaning: To work your way through something from one side to the other — fairly transparent.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: inseparable
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."

Grammar: 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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

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').

Commonly used with

problems issues grief trauma list backlog feelings disagreement

Forms

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

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