works
[wˈɚks] /ˈwərk How to pronounce work (audio)/ (ame, mw)
works — noun
1. creative pieces such as books, paintings, plays, or musical compositions produce
creative pieces such as books, paintings, plays, or musical compositions produced by an artist or writer.
Van Gogh's later works attract long lines at the museum.
plural noun: works by an artist
The gallery displays early works by a painter from Sao Paulo.
Scholars still debate which works were really written by Shakespeare.
The publisher released the poet's collected works in two thick volumes.
用法筆記
This sense is usually plural when talking about the output of one creator or a set of creative pieces. Common patterns include 'collected works', 'early works', and 'works by + creator'.
常見錯誤
2. all the extra features, toppings, or services that are available for something.
all the extra features, toppings, or services that are available for something.
The wedding dinner comes with the works: wine, music, and five courses.
phrase: with the works = everything included
Zayd orders the works whenever he buys a new computer.
The spa package offers the works: massage, facial, and a hot stone bath.
Gabriela wants a pizza with the works and extra cheese.
- everything
the plain literal meaning, but less idiomatic in this food or service pattern.
- the full package
similar meaning, often used for services or deals.
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'the works'. It is common after verbs such as 'order', 'get', 'want', and 'come with'.
3. a factory or industrial site where materials are processed or goods are made.
a factory or industrial site where materials are processed or goods are made.
The steel works employs three hundred people from nearby villages.
common compound: steel works
Lakan gets a job at the brick works after school.
The old gas works is now a modern art gallery.
Dust from the cement works drifts across the road on dry days.
用法筆記
In this meaning, 'works' often behaves like a singular noun even though it ends in -s: 'The steel works is closing.' It is especially common in British English and in compounds such as 'gas works' or 'cement works'.
常見錯誤
4. the moving parts inside a machine, clock, or similar device.
the moving parts inside a machine, clock, or similar device.
The clockmaker oils the works of the antique grandfather clock.
the works of [machine]
Dust inside the works of the sewing machine slows it down.
The mechanic checks the works of the engine before the race.
When the works of the pump jam, the water system stops.
用法筆記
This sense usually appears with 'the' and an 'of' phrase naming the device, as in 'the works of the clock'. It refers to the internal mechanism rather than the outside case.
常見錯誤
5. actions done to help other people or to show moral or religious goodness.
actions done to help other people or to show moral or religious goodness.
The church praises good works that help poor families through winter.
fixed phrase: good works
People in the village still remember her good works today.
The old book says faith should lead to good works.
The charity honors volunteers whose good works changed many lives.
- good deeds
the usual modern everyday term.
- acts of kindness
warmer and less religious in tone.
- charity
broader; can describe help or generosity in general.
- wrongdoing
formal opposite for harmful or immoral actions.
用法筆記
Usually appears in formal, religious, or old-fashioned writing, often in the fixed phrase 'good works'. In everyday speech, people more often say 'good deeds' or 'acts of kindness'.
works — verb
- workspresent simple I / you / we / they
- workses3rd person singular
- worksing-ing form
- worksedpast simple
1. to do a regular job or task, usually in order to earn money.
to do a regular job or task, usually in order to earn money.
Eleni works as a nurse at the city hospital.
works as + job title
My father works for a small software company in Taipei.
works for + company
Haruto works very hard and often stays at the office late.
Nadia works in the fishing industry during the summer season.
- is employed
more formal and often used in official writing.
- has a job
broader and more conversational.
- is unemployed
describes not having paid work.
文法句型
works as + job
works for/in/at + place
works + adverb
用法筆記
This sense does not take a direct object. To say someone's profession, use 'works as + job title'; to say the employer or place, use 'works for', 'works in', or 'works at'.
常見錯誤
2. if a machine works, it runs properly; if someone works it, they make it run.
if a machine works, it runs properly; if someone works it, they make it run.
The elevator works again after the technician replaces a loose wire.
machine works = functions properly
Iris works the coffee machine while greeting customers at the counter.
transitive: works the machine
The furnace works by burning wood pellets through the night.
This old projector still works properly in the dark classroom.
- breaks down
the machine stops working.
文法句型
[machine] works
works + [machine/device]
用法筆記
Both transitive and intransitive uses are common. 'The machine works' describes the machine's condition, while 'works the machine' describes a person's control of it.
常見錯誤
3. if a plan, method, or treatment works, it gives the result people want.
if a plan, method, or treatment works, it gives the result people want.
The new sales strategy works well and the company reaches its target.
collocation: works well
This cough medicine works better if you take it after food.
works better if + clause
Gabriel's idea works because the whole team supports it.
Dr. Patel says the allergy treatment works best when Aisha takes it every morning.
- fails
does not bring the wanted result.
文法句型
works well
works better/best
works when + clause
用法筆記
Use this sense for methods, plans, ideas, and treatments that produce a good result. It is different from the machine sense, where something physically operates.
常見錯誤
4. to slowly move into a different position or state through small movements or ste
to slowly move into a different position or state through small movements or steady effort.
The screw works loose whenever the washing machine shakes too hard.
works + adjective: works loose
Cyrus works his way up by taking every training course.
works his way up
The rope works itself free from the metal hook in storms.
The stone in her shoe works its way down to her heel.
- shifts
more neutral and mainly physical.
- progresses
more abstract, especially for career or social movement.
文法句型
works loose/free
works its way + adverb/preposition
works into + state
用法筆記
This sense always suggests gradual change, not a sudden jump. Common patterns are 'works loose', 'works free', and 'works its way + place or position'.
5. to make something happen through clever or unofficial influence rather than the
to make something happen through clever or unofficial influence rather than the normal system.
Daichi works it so that he can leave early on Fridays.
works it so that + clause
Rosa works her contacts at city hall to speed up the permit.
works contacts for influence
Imran works the room at every charity dinner he attends.
Antonia works on the editor until her report gets printed.
- arranges
more neutral and less suggestive of behind-the-scenes influence.
- manipulates
more negative and more obviously dishonest.
- fixes
informal; often suggests making sure a desired result happens.
文法句型
works it so that + clause
works contacts/connections
works on + person
用法筆記
This sense is informal and often suggests tact, pressure, or clever social skill. It commonly appears in patterns like 'works it so that...' or 'works on someone'.
常見錯誤
6. to press, cut, or stretch a material until it takes the shape you want.
to press, cut, or stretch a material until it takes the shape you want.
Kemi works the clay into a smooth bowl on the wheel.
works + material + into + shape
Elise works the dough until it feels soft and elastic.
works the dough
The farmer works the soil before planting the tomato seeds.
Stefan works the metal into a thin curved blade.
文法句型
works + material + into + form
用法筆記
The object is usually a solid or soft material such as clay, dough, metal, or soil. The result often follows 'into', as in 'works the clay into a bowl'.