work
work — 動詞
- workpresent simple I / you / we / they
- workshe / she / it
- workedpast simple
- working-ing form
1. if a plan, method, medicine, or piece of advice works, it produces the result th
奏效；見效
計畫或方法產生意料中的結果
if a plan, method, medicine, or piece of advice works, it produces the result that people wanted or expected it to produce.
The new sales strategy worked well and the company reached its target.
新的銷售策略很奏效，公司達成了目標。
collocation: work well
Vikram tried a different cough medicine, but it still did not work.
Vikram 試了另一種咳嗽藥，但還是沒有效果。
Gabriel's idea of offering a discount worked better than the old pricing plan.
Gabriel 提出的打折方案，比舊的定價策略更有效。
Christopher's plan for the festival worked because the whole team helped.
Christopher 的節慶計畫很成功，因為整個團隊都幫了忙。
Dr. Patel found that the allergy treatment worked best when Aisha took the medicine every morning.
Patel 醫師發現，Aisha 每天早上的過敏藥效果最好。
- succeed
more general; 'succeed' can describe achieving a goal, while 'work' focuses on whether a specific method or plan gives the expected result.
- function
more neutral; used mainly for machines or systems rather than plans or methods.
- pay off
informal; emphasises that the effort or risk was worthwhile.
- fail
the direct opposite when something does not produce the expected outcome.
文法句型
work
work well/best
work for/against [someone]
常見錯誤
2. to spend time doing a job or task, usually in order to earn money.
上班；任職
從事職業以賺取收入
to spend time doing a job or task, usually in order to earn money.
Eleni works as a nurse at the city hospital.
Eleni 在市立醫院擔任護理師。
work as [job title]
My father works for a small software company in Taipei.
我爸爸在臺北一家小型軟體公司上班。
work for [company]
Haruto works very hard and often stays at the office late.
Haruto 工作非常認真，經常在辦公室待到很晚。
Nia has worked part-time at the library since she was a student.
Nia 從學生時期就在圖書館做兼職。
Many people in this town work in the fishing industry.
這個鎮上很多人從事漁業工作。
- be employed
more formal; often used in official or written contexts.
- have a job
less common in everyday speech but natural in questions like 'Do you have a job?'
- be unemployed
describes the state of not having paid work.
- be retired
describes someone who has stopped working, usually because of age.
文法句型
work + as + job
work + for/in/at + place
work + adverb (hard, full-time)
用法筆記
In this sense, 'work' is never used with a direct object. To say what type of job someone has, use 'work as + job title'. To say where, use 'work for + organisation' or 'work in/at + place.'
常見錯誤
3. the particular building, room, or area where someone does their job — for exampl
任職於
在某個特定地點從事工作
the particular building, room, or area where someone does their job — for example, an office, a home office, or a shared workshop.
Cyrus works from a small home office three days a week.
Cyrus 每週有三天在家裡的小型辦公室工作。
work from [location]
The team works out of a shared workshop behind the train station.
這個團隊在火車站後面一個共用的工作室辦公。
work out of [location]
Justin used to work in a tall office building in the city centre.
Justin 以前在市中心一棟高聳的辦公大樓裡工作。
Niran works on a fishing boat that goes out into the North Sea.
Niran 在一艘駛往北海的漁船上工作。
文法句型
work + in/at/from/out of + location
用法筆記
This sense focuses on the physical or geographical place where the job happens. It always requires a location phrase — 'work at/from/in/out of/on + [place]'. Without a location, the sentence sounds incomplete under this sense.
4. when you work a person, animal, or piece of equipment, you cause them to do a jo
使工作
讓某人或動物長時間做事
when you work a person, animal, or piece of equipment, you cause them to do a job, often for a long period or with a lot of effort.
The farmer worked his horses from sunrise until sunset.
農夫讓他的馬從日出一直工作到日落。
work [animal] + time phrase
Pim worked the printing press all afternoon to finish the wedding invitations by Friday.
Pim 整個下午都在操作印刷機，好在星期五前印完婚禮邀請函。
The coach worked the players very hard during the week before the match.
比賽前一週，教練讓球員非常辛苦地訓練。
Gabriel worked himself to the point of exhaustion before the deadline.
Gabriel 在截止日前把自己累到了精疲力竭的地步。
文法句型
work + someone/something + adverb
work + someone/something + to + infinitive
用法筆記
Frequently passive: 'The staff were worked very hard.' The object is usually a person or animal that is being made to labour, not a machine performing a task.
常見錯誤
5. used about equipment or tools: if a piece of equipment works, it runs as it shou
運作；操作
機器正常運轉或人為操縱設備
used about equipment or tools: if a piece of equipment works, it runs as it should; if you work a piece of equipment, you control how it runs, for instance by pressing buttons or turning switches.
The elevator is not working, so we will have to use the stairs.
電梯壞了，所以我們必須走樓梯。
Iris showed the new employee how to work the coffee machine.
Iris 教新來的同事怎麼使用咖啡機。
transitive: work [machine]
The furnace in the Watanabes' house works by burning wood pellets.
渡邊家裡的暖爐是靠燃燒木屑 pellets 來運作的。
Manuela checked the printer, but it still would not work properly.
Manuela 檢查了印表機，但它還是無法正常運作。
Do you know how to work this old film projector in the classroom?
你知道怎麼操作教室裡這臺老舊的電影放映機嗎？
- break
intransitive; describes a machine that stops working, often suddenly.
- malfunction
formal; describes a machine not working correctly.
文法句型
[machine] works (intransitive)
work + [machine/device] (transitive)
用法筆記
Both transitive and intransitive uses are equally common. The intransitive use ('the machine works') focuses on the machine's condition. The transitive use ('work the controls') is about human operation. The negative form 'does not work' is especially common for reporting malfunctions.
常見錯誤
6. to gradually reach a different state or position, usually through continuing eff
逐漸變成
透過持續努力慢慢達到某種狀態
to gradually reach a different state or position, usually through continuing effort or repeated small movements — for example, a screw working itself loose, or someone working their way up in a company.
The screws on the chair had worked loose over several months.
椅子上的螺絲經過幾個月後慢慢鬆脫了。
work + adjective: work loose
Cyrus worked his way up from delivery driver to regional manager.
Cyrus 從送貨司機一路努力，做到了區域經理。
work one's way up (career)
The rope slowly worked itself free from the metal hook.
繩子慢慢地從金屬鉤子上鬆脫開來。
Eleni worked herself into a very strong position within the company.
Eleni 憑著努力在公司裡站穩了腳步。
The stone in her shoe worked its way down towards her heel as she walked.
她走路時，鞋子裡的小石子逐漸滑到了腳跟的位置。
- move gradually
more literal; describes physical shifting without the sense of effort.
- progress
abstract; used for career or personal advancement.
- shift
neutral; describes small movements without specifying the cause.
文法句型
work + adjective
work + adverb/preposition phrase
work + oneself + into/out of + state
work + object + adjective
用法筆記
Common patterns: 'work + adjective' (work loose, work free), 'work one's way + adverb/preposition' (work one's way up, work one's way through), and 'work + reflexive pronoun + into/out of + state' (work yourself into a corner). The sense always implies a gradual process, not an instant change.
7. to cause a particular result by using personal influence or unofficial methods,
設法；擺平
用巧妙或非正式手段達成
to cause a particular result by using personal influence or unofficial methods, rather than following the official system
Daichi worked it so that he could take Friday off without using his holiday allowance.
Daichi 設法安排，讓自己不用請假就能在星期五休息。
work + it + that-clause for arranging indirectly
The lobbyist knew how to work the politicians to get the new law passed.
那位說客知道如何擺平政治人物，讓新法案順利通過。
Antonia worked her connections at the newspaper to get her story published.
Antonia 動用自己在報社的人脈，讓她的報導得以刊登。
Imran worked the room at the party, chatting with everyone who mattered.
Imran 在派對上交際全場，跟每個有影響力的人都聊了幾句。
- arrange
more neutral — work implies cleverness or indirection
- manipulate
more negative, suggests dishonest control
- contrive
more formal, suggests careful planning
文法句型
work + it + that-clause
work + object + to-infinitive
work + on + person
用法筆記
Often used in informal contexts. The pattern 'work it + that-clause' is common when describing an outcome arranged through clever, indirect means.
常見錯誤
8. to press, hit, stretch, or cut a solid material such as clay, metal, wood, or do
塑形；揉製
按壓捶打改變材料形狀
to press, hit, stretch, or cut a solid material such as clay, metal, wood, or dough so that it takes a particular shape
Kemi worked the clay into a smooth bowl on the potter's wheel.
Kemi 在陶輪上把黏土塑成一只光滑的碗。
work + material + into + shape
Élise worked the dough until it became soft and elastic.
Élise 揉製麵團，直到它變得柔軟有彈性。
work + dough — kneading meaning
The farmer worked the soil before planting the seeds.
農夫在播種前先翻整土壤。
Stefan worked the metal into a fine, curved blade.
Stefan 將金屬捶打成一柄精美的彎刀。
文法句型
work + material + into + form
用法筆記
The object is typically a solid, malleable material. The resulting form is introduced by 'into' (e.g., 'work the clay into a bowl').
常見錯誤
9. to put sustained mental or physical effort into achieving something or solving a
努力；著手
用心力達成目標或解決問題
to put sustained mental or physical effort into achieving something or solving a problem
Lucía worked hard to improve her Spanish before the trip to Mexico City.
Lucía 在去墨西哥城之前努力加強她的西班牙語。
work + hard + to-infinitive — sustained effort
The team worked on the problem for three hours before finding the mistake.
團隊針對這個問題研究了三個小時才找到錯誤。
work + on + problem/task
Cyrus worked towards a promotion by arriving early and staying late.
Cyrus 靠著早到晚退來爭取升遷。
Devika worked her way through college by waiting tables at night.
Devika 靠晚上在餐廳端盤子來半工半讀完成大學學業。
Maeve worked through the entire data report, checking each figure against the original invoices.
Maeve 仔細翻閱了整份數據報告，逐一比對每筆數字和原始發票。
文法句型
work + on + task/problem
work + towards + goal
work + one's way + through/across
用法筆記
Frequently followed by 'on' (the task) or 'towards' (the goal). 'Work one's way' describes achieving something through sustained effort despite difficulties.
常見錯誤
work — 名詞
- worksingular
- worksplural
1. something that you do using your body or mind, usually in order to earn money fo
工作
為賺錢而從事的勞動或活動
something that you do using your body or mind, usually in order to earn money for living
Pim found a part-time job at a café and starts work at eight every morning.
Pim 在一家咖啡廳找到兼職，每天早上八點開始工作。
uncountable: work as general activity
After a long day at work, Léa takes a hot bath and reads.
Léa 在工作一整天後，會泡個熱水澡並看看書。
Folake's work as a nurse requires her to stand for many hours at a time.
Folake 的護理工作需要她長時間站立。
Mira gets paid for the work she does at the library every Saturday morning.
Mira 在圖書館每週六的工作是有薪水的。
Kemi found that teaching English is hard work but very satisfying.
Kemi 發現教英文雖然很辛苦，但非常有成就感。
- labour
more physical or manual work, often hard
- employment
more formal; focuses on the state of having a paid job
- duty
focuses on what you are required to do, not necessarily paid
用法筆記
Always uncountable in this sense. Do not say 'a work' to mean a job — use 'a job' instead ('I found a job', not 'I found a work').
常見錯誤
2. the documents, files, or other materials that someone handles or produces while
工作成果
工作中處理的文件或生產的內容
the documents, files, or other materials that someone handles or produces while doing their job
Stefan brought his project files home and spread the work across the kitchen table.
Stefan 把專案檔案帶回家，把工作成果攤在餐桌上。
uncountable: work = materials/tasks
Reuben organized his work into separate folders for each of his clients.
Reuben 把他的工作成果按照客戶分別整理到不同資料夾。
The accountant checked her team's work carefully before sending it to the manager.
會計仔細檢查了團隊的工作成果，然後才送交給經理。
Sumin left her completed work on the desk for review the next day.
Sumin 把做完的工作放在桌上，供隔天審閱。
- tasks
more specific; refers to individual items of work
- assignments
tasks given to someone, common in educational contexts
常見錯誤
3. the building or office where someone does their paid job each day
工作地點
上班或工作的場所
the building or office where someone does their paid job each day
Mira takes about forty minutes to drive to work every morning.
Mira 每天早上開車到工作地點大約需要四十分鐘。
collocation: drive to work
Paul cycles to work unless there is a heavy rain storm.
只要沒下大雨，Paul 都會騎腳踏車去工作地點。
Joaquín left his phone at work and had to go back to get it.
Joaquín 把手機忘在工作地點，只好回去拿。
A new security guard at work checks everyone's ID before they enter the building.
工作地點新來的警衛會確認每個人的證件才讓他們進大樓。
4. something produced by a person through creative effort, such as a novel, a paint
作品
經由技藝與想像創作出的藝術品
something produced by a person through creative effort, such as a novel, a painting, or a musical composition
This landscape is one of Van Gogh's best-known works from his later years.
這幅風景畫是梵谷晚年最著名的作品之一。
countable: a work / works (artistic)
The gallery displayed early works by a young painter from São Paulo.
畫廊展出了一位來自聖保羅的年輕畫家的早期作品。
Samir's latest work is a series of photographs taken in the desert at sunrise.
Samir 的最新作品是一系列在沙漠日出時拍攝的照片。
Scholars have studied the complete works of Shakespeare for many centuries.
數百年來，學者們一直致力於研究莎士比亞的全集作品。
用法筆記
In this sense 'work' is countable. 'A work' = one piece; 'works' = multiple pieces or all the pieces by one artist or writer.
常見錯誤
5. a medical operation performed to change a person's appearance, rather than to tr
整形手術
為改善外觀而非治療疾病的手術
a medical operation performed to change a person's appearance, rather than to treat an illness or injury
After years of thought, Roya's aunt decided to get work done on her chin.
考慮多年後，Roya 的阿姨決定去做下巴的整形手術。
collocation: get work done (cosmetic procedure)
The clinic offers several types of facial work to reduce the signs of aging.
這家診所提供多種臉部整形手術來減緩老化跡象。
Many athletes choose to get cosmetic work done after losing a large amount of weight.
許多運動員在體重大幅下降後會選擇做美容整形手術。
Dr. Chen warned that some kinds of facial work can require weeks of recovery time.
陳醫師警告，某些臉部整形手術需要數週的恢復時間。
6. the widest possible range of options, extras, or services that can be chosen for
全套
某情境中應有盡有的一切
the widest possible range of options, extras, or services that can be chosen for a single purchase, meal, or package.
The wedding dinner came with the works: fine wine, live music, and five courses.
那場婚宴晚餐提供了全套服務：美酒、現場音樂，還有五道菜。
phrase: with the works = everything included
When Zayd bought a new computer, he ordered the works including extra memory and software.
Zayd 買新電腦時訂了全套配件，包括額外記憶體和軟體。
The hotel spa package offers the works — a massage, facial, and hot stone bath.
這家飯店的水療方案提供全套服務——按摩、臉部護理和熱石浴。
For the graduation dinner, Gabriela ordered a pizza with the works and extra cheese.
畢業聚餐時，Gabriela 點了一份加滿全配料的披薩和額外起司。
- everything
literal meaning; less idiomatic
- the full package
similar meaning, slightly less common
用法筆記
Always used in the fixed phrase 'the works'. Common with verbs like 'have', 'get', 'order', and 'come with'.
7. a large building or group of buildings where products are made using machines an
工廠
以機器大量生產物品的工業場所
a large building or group of buildings where products are made using machines and many people work there
The steel works near the river employed three hundred local people.
河邊的鋼鐵廠僱用了三百名當地人。
often used in plural: steel works, gas works, etc.
Lakan started working at the brick works after he finished school.
Lakan 完成學業後就開始在磚廠工作。
The old gas works has been turned into a modern art gallery.
舊煤氣廠已被改建成一座現代美術館。
Élise visited the abandoned textile works to take photographs for her project.
Élise 前往廢棄的紡織廠拍照，作為她專題作品的素材。
The cement works outside town released fine white dust into the air.
小鎮郊外的水泥廠排放出細微的白色粉塵到空氣中。
- factory
the general everyday term for any industrial building; 'work/works' is more specific to heavy industry like steel, iron, gas
- plant
common in American English; often refers to a factory with complex machinery and power equipment
- mill
specifically for processing raw materials such as paper, steel, or textiles through grinding or rolling
用法筆記
In this meaning, 'works' is often treated as a singular noun even though it ends in -s. For example: 'The steel works is closing down.' This usage is more common in British English; American English often uses 'plant' or 'factory' instead.
常見錯誤
8. the moving parts inside a machine or clock that enable it to operate
機件
機器內部的可動零件
the moving parts inside a machine or clock that enable it to operate
The clockmaker carefully oiled the work of the antique grandfather clock.
鐘錶匠小心翼翼地為那座古董老爺鐘的機件上油。
usually used as 'the work of [a machine/device]'
Ryan listened to the work of the engine to check whether anything was loose.
Ryan 聆聽引擎的運轉聲音，檢查是否有零件鬆脫。
Dust had got into the work of the sewing machine and was slowing it down.
灰塵跑進了縫紉機的機件裡，導致運轉速度變慢。
The delicate inner work of the watch was made of tiny brass wheels and springs.
手錶精密的內部機件是由細小的黃銅齒輪和彈簧製成的。
When the work of the pump jammed, the entire water system stopped working.
抽水機的機件卡住時，整個供水系統都停止運作了。
用法筆記
Often preceded by 'the' and followed by 'of' to specify the machine: 'the work of the clock', 'the inner work of the engine'. This sense is typically used for mechanical devices with visible moving parts, such as clocks, watches, and engines.
常見錯誤
9. in physics, the amount of energy transferred when a force moves an object over a
功
力乘以位移的物理量
in physics, the amount of energy transferred when a force moves an object over a certain distance
Yuki calculated the work needed to push a delivery cart two hundred metres across the warehouse floor.
Yuki 計算了將送貨推車推過倉庫地板兩百公尺所需的功。
formula: work = force × distance
The students calculated the work needed to lift the fifty-kilogram crate onto the platform.
學生們計算了將五十公斤的板條箱抬到平臺上所需的功。
Luis pushed the broken-down car with all his strength, but no work was done because it did not move.
儘管 Luis 使出全力推那輛拋錨的車子，但車子沒移動，因此沒有做功。
Meera measured the work required to pull the sled across the icy ground in joules.
Meera 測量了將雪橇拉過結冰地面所需的功，單位是焦耳。
The pump does two thousand joules of work per minute to lift well water.
抽水機每分鐘做兩千焦耳的功來抽取井水。
用法筆記
This is a technical term with a precise mathematical definition. It is distinct from the everyday sense of 'work' (effort or job). In physics problems, the symbol W is commonly used. The SI unit of work is the joule (J).
常見錯誤
work — 形容詞
- workpositive
- workercomparative
- workestsuperlative
1. designed or intended to be worn while doing your job, usually for practical or p
工作服
適合工作時穿著的服裝
designed or intended to be worn while doing your job, usually for practical or protective reasons
Roya put on her work boots before heading to the construction site.
Roya 在前往工地前穿上了她的工作靴。
work + boots (footwear for manual jobs)
The company provides work shirts and trousers for all its mechanics.
公司為所有技師提供工作襯衫和褲子。
Jack's work apron has deep pockets for carrying tools around the workshop.
Jack 的工作圍裙有很深的口袋，方便在工坊裡攜帶工具。
These work gloves are made of strong leather to protect your hands.
這雙工作手套採用堅固的皮革製成，可以保護您的雙手。
Putri bought a new pair of work shoes for her long shifts at the hospital.
Putri 為她在醫院漫長的輪班買了一雙新的工作鞋。
文法句型
work + noun (clothing/footwear)
用法筆記
Always placed before a noun. Not used in comparative or superlative forms. Common in compound nouns that name protective or practical clothing for a specific trade or activity.
常見錯誤
2. relating to a tool, space, service, or document that is used for your job rather
工作用
專為工作使用的設備或空間
relating to a tool, space, service, or document that is used for your job rather than for personal life
The library has a quiet work area with desks and lamps for visitors.
圖書館設有安靜的工作區，備有書桌和檯燈供訪客使用。
work + area (dedicated space)
Ryo keeps a separate work phone so he does not take calls after hours.
Ryo 保留了一支獨立的工作用手機，這樣下班後就不再接聽電話。
The hotel offers a work desk and free internet in every room.
這家飯店的每個房間都配有一張工作桌和免費網路。
Christopher needs a work visa before he can start his new position.
Christopher 在開始新工作之前需要先辦理工作簽證。
The whole office uses the same work email system for all messages.
整個辦公室都使用同一套工作電子郵件系統來處理所有訊息。
- business
more formal; used for official or commercial purposes (business trip, business email)
- professional
emphasises a higher level of training or qualification rather than simply being job-related
- office
specifically refers to things used in an office setting (office phone, office supplies)
文法句型
work + noun (equipment/space/service)
用法筆記
Always placed before a noun. This sense draws a contrast between professional and personal use — a work phone is for job calls, not personal calls. Common in business and travel contexts.
常見錯誤
3. connected to a person's job or the duties they perform at their workplace
工作的
與工作或職務有關的
connected to a person's job or the duties they perform at their workplace
Élise has a meeting with her work colleagues every Monday morning.
Élise 每週一早上都會與工作同事開會。
work + colleagues (people you work with)
Owen invited some of his work friends to his birthday party.
Owen 邀請了幾位工作上的朋友參加他的生日派對。
The new training programme is designed to improve work performance.
這項新的培訓計劃旨在提升工作表現。
Renata keeps a separate bag for her work documents and laptop.
Renata 用一個獨立的袋子來裝她的工作文件和筆記型電腦。
The company organised a team-building event for all work staff.
公司為全體工作人員舉辦了一場團隊建立活動。
- job-related
slightly more explicit; often used in formal or legal contexts
- occupational
more formal; used in safety, health, or training contexts (occupational hazard, occupational therapy)
- professional
emphasises standards or qualifications rather than simply being connected to a job
文法句型
work + noun (person/quality/activity)
用法筆記
Always placed before a noun. Overlaps partly with sense 2, but sense 3 focuses on people, relationships, and abstract qualities, while sense 2 focuses on physical tools and spaces. For concrete items used for the job (work phone, work desk), use sense 2. For people and concepts (work colleague, work performance), use this sense.
常見錯誤
work — 字尾
1. added to a noun to form a compound that refers to a particular type of work or s
工作；事務
特定類別的工作或任務
added to a noun to form a compound that refers to a particular type of work or set of tasks — for example, homework (schoolwork done at home), housework (daily cleaning and cooking tasks), or paperwork (written tasks in an office).
Darius finished his homework before dinner and went out to play football.
Darius 在晚餐前寫完了家庭作業，然後出門踢足球。
compound: homework = schoolwork at home
The family shares the housework, so no one person does all the cleaning.
這家人分擔家務，所以沒有人需要獨自做完所有清潔工作。
compound: housework = domestic tasks
Applying for a visa involves a huge amount of paperwork.
申請簽證需要處理大量的文書工作。
The research team spent three months doing fieldwork in the mountains of Nepal.
研究團隊在尼泊爾的山區進行了三個月的實地考察工作。
文法句型
[noun] + -work forms a compound uncountable noun
用法筆記
The suffix -work attaches to a preceding noun to form a single compound word (e.g. homework, housework). These compounds are uncountable in standard English — you cannot say 'a homework' or 'homeworks'.
常見錯誤
2. added to the name of a material to form a compound that refers to the skill or a
工藝；手藝
使用特定材料的技藝或活動
added to the name of a material to form a compound that refers to the skill or activity of working with that material — for example, woodwork (making things from wood), metalwork (shaping metal), or needlework (sewing and embroidery).
Heather learned needlework from her grandmother and now makes her own clothes.
Heather 向祖母學習針線手藝，現在自己縫製衣服。
compound: needlework = sewing / embroidery skill
The school offers classes in metalwork, ceramics, and jewellery design.
學校開設金工、陶藝和珠寶設計等課程。
Lukas took up woodwork as a hobby and built a bookshelf for his daughter.
Lukas 把木工作為嗜好，為女兒做了一個書架。
Rodrigo learned leatherwork in prison and now sells handmade belts and wallets.
Rodrigo 在獄中學會了皮革工藝，現在販售手工皮帶和皮夾。
- craft
broader term for any skilled handmade activity, not limited to working with a specific material
- handicraft
more formal; emphasises the handmade nature of the work
文法句型
[material noun] + -work forms a compound uncountable noun describing a craft
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 3 (MATERIAL OBJECTS): this sense describes the craft, activity, or skill, while sense 3 describes the finished objects made from the material. For example, 'She loves needlework' (the activity) versus 'The needlework on the cushion is beautiful' (the finished result).
常見錯誤
3. added to the name of a material to form a compound that refers to things made fr
製品；工藝品
特定材料製成的物品或結構
added to the name of a material to form a compound that refers to things made from that material — for example, ironwork (gates, railings, or decorations made of iron), stonework (walls or carvings made of stone), or brickwork (a wall or building made of bricks).
The old bridge has elegant ironwork that was hand-forged in the 1800s.
這座舊橋上有精美的鐵製品，是19世紀手工鍛造的。
compound: ironwork = objects made from iron
The stonework on the cathedral walls shows detailed carvings of flowers.
大教堂牆壁上的石雕展現出精細的花朵雕刻。
Cracks in the brickwork can let rainwater into the house.
磚牆上的裂縫可能讓雨水滲入屋內。
The plasterwork on the ceiling has delicate patterns of leaves and vines.
天花板上的灰泥裝飾有精緻的葉子和藤蔓圖案。
文法句型
[material noun] + -work forms a compound uncountable noun for made objects
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2 (CRAFT SKILL): this sense refers to the finished objects or structures, not the activity of making them. The subject is typically a building, gate, wall, or decorative feature, and the compound noun refers to the visible material work.