You work out an answer, you sort out a problem, and a machine that stops working breaks down.
When something goes wrong
Not ""Diego worked a better schedule."" — say ""Diego worked out a better schedule."". Keep the out: work out means find the answer.
Try it: Mateo: My laptop keeps freezing during video calls. Mei: Call the IT desk. They'll ___ the problem for you. Choose the words for the blank. (sort out / take on / call off) Answer: sort out — To sort out a problem is to put it right.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
work out
/wɜːrk aʊt/
Diego worked out a better schedule for the team.
sort out
/sɔːrt aʊt/
Sofia sorted out the files before the client meeting.
break down
/breɪk daʊn/
The printer broke down before the meeting.
Doing the work
You carry out a task, you take on new work, and you fill out a form with your details.
Try it: Lars: Can you help with the park cleanup on Saturday? Ira: Sorry, I can't ___ anything else this week. I'm too busy. Choose the words for the blank. (take on / carry out / fill out) Answer: take on — To take on work is to accept it, and Ira has no time for more.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
carry out
/ˈkæri aʊt/
The team carried out a safety check on Monday.
take on
/teɪk ɑn/
Ethan took on two new projects at the Community Center.
fill out
/fɪl aʊt/
Wei filled out the application form in the waiting room.
Changing plans
Put off moves a plan to a later time, call off cancels it, and cut down makes an amount smaller.
Not ""They put off the meeting, so it never happened."" — say ""They called off the meeting, so it never happened."". Put off = it happens later. Call off = it does not happen.
Try it: Diego: Is the boat trip to Ghafwick still on for Sunday? Maya: No, they've ___ the trip. The boat company has closed for good. Choose the words for the blank. (called off / put off / cut down) Answer: called off — A trip that will never happen is called off, not "put off".
Word
Pronunciation
Example
put off
/ˌpʊt ˈɔːf/
The club put off the bike ride until the rain stopped.
call off
/ˌkɔːl ˈɔːf/
Heavy snow forced the organizers to call off the match.
cut down
/ˌkʌt ˈdaʊn/
The office cut down its printing costs by half.
New ideas and new roles
You come up with an idea, you take over a job from someone else, and you catch up on work you missed.
Not ""Ira came up a clever design."" — say ""Ira came up with a clever design."". Come up with needs with before the idea.
Try it: Matilda: You missed three classes last week, right? Amina: Yes, so this weekend I have to ___ all the work. Choose the words for the blank. (catch up on / take over / come up with) Answer: catch up on — To catch up on work is to do the part you missed.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
come up with
/ˌkʌm ʌp ˈwɪð/
Ira came up with a clever design for the bus shelter.
take over
/ˌteɪk ˈoʊvər/
When Ethan's internship ends, someone new will take over his job.
catch up on
/ˌkætʃ ʌp ˈɑn/
After a week off, Diego caught up on his reading.
What are the common mistakes?
Incorrect
Correct
Why
"Diego worked a better schedule."
"Diego worked out a better schedule."
Keep the out: work out means find the answer.
"They put off the meeting, so it never happened."
"They called off the meeting, so it never happened."
Put off = it happens later. Call off = it does not happen.