working (on) (something)
Meaning(s)
1. in the process of sth
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
working on/at/with
Analysis
To 'work on' something means to spend time in order to produce or improve something. If you say you are 'working on it' it means you are in the process of doing something or trying to complete it. If you 'work on' someone, it can mean you are trying to influence them in some way, usually to sway their decision or opinion on something.
Social Examples (Basic)
- You look really busy. What are you working on?
- I've been working on this assignment for the past two weeks. I'm nearly finished.
- I fixed the projector, so it's working now. We can use it for our presentation.
2. sth related to the workplace
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
a working relationship/model/session
Analysis
If something is 'working' it means it is functioning or is able to carry out the task it was intended to. A person who is 'working' is someone who is employed or engaged in work of some kind. As a prefix in 'working relationship/working model/working session' 'working' in these contexts refers to one of these two meanings.
Social Examples (Basic)
- I get on very well with my colleagues. We all have a really good working relationship.
- The Engineering Team are building a working model before we move on to the development stage.
- It's important that we make the most of this working session, as we don't often get time to work together.