WORK OUT is a highly useful phrasal verb with two main meanings: to exercise and to solve/figure out. Both are extremely common in everyday English.
Basic Pronunciation
Stress Pattern
Stress falls on OUT:
- work = less stressed
- OUT = main stress (louder, longer)
Say: "work OUT" not "WORK out"
Connected Speech
The /k/ at the end of "work" links to the diphthong /aʊ/ in "out":
- Written: work out
- Sounds like: "wur-KOUT" /wɝːˈkaʊt/
With Objects
The /ɝː/ Sound in "Work"
"Work" contains the R-colored vowel /ɝː/ — the same sound in "bird," "turn," and "learn." This is one of the hardest sounds for Spanish speakers.
How to make /ɝː/:
- Round your lips slightly
- Raise the middle of your tongue
- Curl the tip of your tongue back (but don't touch anything)
- Let the R-color come from tongue position, not vibration
Two Main Meanings
1. To exercise
2. To solve/figure out
3. To succeed/turn out well
4. To develop/progress
The Noun: WORKOUT
As a noun (one word), the stress shifts:
Verb: work OUT /wɝːk ˈaʊt/ (stress on OUT)
Noun: WORKout /ˈwɝːkaʊt/ (stress on WORK)
Separable Verb
WORK OUT is separable for the "solve" meaning:
- ✅ "Work out the problem."
- ✅ "Work the problem out."
- ✅ "Work it out."
But inseparable for "exercise" and "succeed":
- ✅ "I work out daily."
- ✅ "Things worked out."
Common Mistakes for Spanish Speakers
1. The /w/ sound
Don't substitute /ɡw/ or /b/ for /w/. Round your lips without touching.
2. The /ɝː/ sound
Don't roll the R. Curl your tongue back for the American R-colored vowel.
3. The /aʊ/ diphthong
Start with /a/ and glide to /ʊ/. Your lips round at the end.
Practice Sentences
- "I work OUT every day." → /aɪ wɝːˈkaʊt ˈevri deɪ/
- "Let's work it OUT." → /lets ˈwɝːkɪˈtaʊt/
- "Things will work OUT." → /θɪŋz wɪl wɝːˈkaʊt/
- "Can you work OUT the answer?" → /kən jə wɝːˈkaʊt ðə ˈænsɚ/
Common Expressions
Quick Summary
- Stress on OUT: work OUT
- Link /k/ to diphthong: "wur-KOUT" /wɝːˈkaʊt/
- Master the /ɝː/ R-colored vowel
- Noun "workout" has stress on first syllable
- Two main meanings: exercise + solve
Continue with How to pronounce FIGURE OUT.