25 Other Ways to Say “Work On”
“Work on” is a versatile expression that we use to describe engaging in a task, project, or process of improvement—whether it’s something as concrete as a home renovation or as abstract as building a better relationship. For example, when someone says, “I’m working on my resume,” they’re simply stating that they’re actively involved in preparing or improving that document.
However, just like many commonly used phrases, “work on” can start to sound repetitive or overly casual, especially in writing or formal conversation. Fortunately, the English language offers a wide range of synonyms and alternative expressions that provide more nuance, precision, or professionalism depending on the context.
This post explores 25 other ways to say “work on,” offering long-form sentence examples, in-depth meanings, and usage guidance to help you enhance your communication.
Other Ways to Say “Work On”
1. Develop
Example: “She is currently developing a proposal that addresses environmental sustainability within the organization’s existing infrastructure.”
Meaning: To improve, refine, or build something progressively over time.
Usage: Ideal in professional, academic, or technical settings where growth or progress is emphasized.
2. Refine
Example: “He spent the afternoon refining his pitch to ensure clarity and persuasiveness.”
Meaning: To make small but meaningful improvements to enhance the quality, detail, or precision of a task or concept.
Usage: Frequently used in creative, professional, and academic contexts where polishing a product or idea is the focus.
3. Tackle
Example: “We need to tackle the software bugs before launching the final version of the app.”
Meaning: To take on a challenge or task with determination and effort.
Usage: Best suited for situations that involve overcoming obstacles or solving problems.
4. Pursue
Example: “She is pursuing a long-term strategy to improve team collaboration across departments.”
Meaning: To follow or engage in something consistently with purpose or ambition.
Usage: Often found in formal, goal-oriented contexts, especially when long-term involvement is implied.
5. Focus on
Example: “This quarter, the marketing team will focus on expanding their outreach to Gen Z audiences.”
Meaning: To give dedicated time, energy, or resources to a specific task or area.
Usage: A balanced option for both formal and informal speech when prioritization is key.
6. Address
Example: “The manager held a meeting to address the concerns raised in the employee satisfaction survey.”
Meaning: To deal with, consider, or respond to a particular issue or task.
Usage: Suitable for professional and problem-solving contexts, especially in leadership or managerial roles.
7. Work through
Example: “We’ll need to work through the backlog of customer service emails by the end of the day.”
Meaning: To process or resolve tasks methodically, especially when they are numerous or complex.
Usage: Effective when describing effort and persistence in handling workload or challenges.
8. Improve
Example: “He’s been trying to improve his time management by setting more realistic daily goals.”
Meaning: To make better or more effective over time.
Usage: Common across all settings, especially when the emphasis is on self-growth or enhancement.
9. Strengthen
Example: “The couple attended counseling sessions to strengthen their relationship after a difficult year.”
Meaning: To make something more robust, stable, or effective.
Usage: Used in both personal and professional development contexts.
10. Handle
Example: “The intern was asked to handle the preliminary research for the upcoming presentation.”
Meaning: To take charge of or deal with a responsibility or duty.
Usage: Casual yet competent; works well in business or administrative discussions.
11. Undertake
Example: “She undertook the task of digitizing all company records from the last decade.”
Meaning: To begin or commit to a task or responsibility, often one that requires serious effort or planning.
Usage: Formal and well-suited for business, legal, or academic contexts.
12. Carry out
Example: “The technician carried out the necessary safety inspections before approving the system for use.”
Meaning: To perform or execute a task, especially one assigned or expected.
Usage: Often used in technical, procedural, or official environments.
13. Build
Example: “The entrepreneur is building a brand that centers on transparency and community engagement.”
Meaning: To construct or create something, often from the ground up or over time.
Usage: Useful for business, entrepreneurial, or abstract development tasks.
14. Fine-tune
Example: “After several test runs, the team fine-tuned the app’s interface to improve user experience.”
Meaning: To make small adjustments that perfect or optimize something.
Usage: Common in creative and technical fields where detail and usability are important.
15. Enhance
Example: “They implemented new strategies to enhance the overall performance of the sales team.”
Meaning: To improve something by increasing its value, quality, or effectiveness.
Usage: Especially useful in business, product development, and marketing contexts where uplift or optimization is the goal.
16. Attend to
Example: “The nurse promptly attended to the patient’s needs during the overnight shift.”
Meaning: To give care, attention, or action to something or someone requiring it.
Usage: Common in caregiving, customer service, or hospitality-related situations.
17. Execute
Example: “The team executed the plan flawlessly despite the tight deadline.”
Meaning: To put a plan, command, or procedure into action.
Usage: Typically found in professional and technical environments where action and precision are key.
18. Commit to
Example: “He committed to learning Spanish by practicing daily and enrolling in weekly classes.”
Meaning: To dedicate oneself or one’s effort to something consistently.
Usage: Best for long-term goals or efforts involving personal dedication or perseverance.
19. Manage
Example: “She managed the logistics for the international conference without any major setbacks.”
Meaning: To oversee, organize, or take charge of something.
Usage: Widely applicable in administrative, operational, or leadership roles.
20. Approach
Example: “They approached the issue with caution and respect, considering all viewpoints.”
Meaning: To deal with something by using a specific strategy or mindset.
Usage: Suitable when referring to the method or perspective used in working on something.
21. Experiment with
Example: “The chef experimented with new flavor combinations to create a seasonal menu.”
Meaning: To test or try new methods, ideas, or processes.
Usage: Often used in creative, culinary, or scientific contexts where innovation is encouraged.
22. Polish
Example: “He spent the weekend polishing his essay before the final submission.”
Meaning: To refine and improve something to make it as flawless as possible.
Usage: Appropriate for final editing, presentation, or creative enhancement scenarios.
23. Devote time to
Example: “She devotes time each morning to meditating and journaling before work begins.”
Meaning: To intentionally allocate a portion of time to a specific activity.
Usage: Often seen in both personal improvement and task management situations.
24. Progress on
Example: “We’ve made significant progress on the mobile app’s design over the last few weeks.”
Meaning: To move forward with a task or project steadily over time.
Usage: Best when discussing ongoing efforts or partial completion of work.
25. Invest effort in
Example: “He invested a great deal of effort in training for the marathon despite his demanding schedule.”
Meaning: To dedicate energy, time, and resources into accomplishing or improving something.
Usage: Suitable when emphasizing personal sacrifice or the depth of involvement.
When to Use Different “Work On” Alternatives
In Professional Settings
In business, technical, or organizational environments, it’s often better to use words like “execute,” “undertake,” “address,” or “manage,” as these terms carry a tone of competence, structure, and reliability. Choosing the right synonym in these contexts can add clarity and authority to your communication.
In Creative or Academic Contexts
When you’re writing academically or working on something creative, you might prefer words like “refine,” “experiment with,” “develop,” or “polish.” These expressions convey a thoughtful, iterative approach to improvement, research, or artistic expression.
In Personal and Informal Conversations
For more relaxed, everyday conversations, using terms such as “focus on,” “work through,” “devote time to,” or “improve” feels more natural and approachable. These alternatives maintain clarity without sounding overly formal or technical.
Conclusion
“Work on” may be a convenient and well-understood phrase, but expanding your vocabulary with these 25 alternatives can help you express ideas more precisely, sound more professional, and add variety to your speech and writing. Each synonym offers its own shade of meaning, and choosing the right one depends on the tone, context, and purpose of your communication.
Whether you’re refining a paper, leading a project, or simply chatting about your weekend plans, using richer alternatives to “work on” can enhance how your message is received and understood.
FAQs
What does “work on” mean?
“Work on” means to engage in an activity or task, often with the goal of completing, improving, or maintaining it.
Is “work on” a formal phrase?
While “work on” is generally neutral and widely accepted, in formal settings more specific alternatives such as “undertake,” “develop,” or “execute” are often preferred for clarity and professionalism.
Can I use “work on” and “develop” interchangeably?
In many cases, yes—but “develop” usually implies a longer-term, structured process, while “work on” is more general and immediate.
Is “tackle” the same as “work on”?
“Tackle” emphasizes effort and determination in addressing a problem or challenge, while “work on” is a broader term that could describe even casual or routine engagement.
How can I choose the right alternative to “work on”?
Consider your audience and context—formal vs. informal, personal vs. professional—and select a synonym that best fits the tone and precision you need.
