Work out

If something works out, it has positive results, it is successful. A synonym for work out is “turn out”. The final result.

1. Have you ever been in a relationship that didn’t work out? For some people it is the story of their lives. Often when someone wants to break up with a boyfriend/ girlfriend, they say, “This is not working out”. Why is it that many marriages don’t work out?

2. If you are curious as to the result of absolutely anything or how something went (for plans), you can ask the question, “How did it work out/ turn out?”

3. Many of my students are highly critical about Brazil’s preparation for the World Cup next year, but I always tell them that if it worked out for South Africa, it will work out for Brazil, no problem.

4. If you want to encourage someone, you could tell them, “Don’t worry, everything will work out just fine!”

5. If something doesn’t work out we can also say that it’s a “flop”, which is a word that comes from baking. If you’re baking a cake, and it doesn’t turn out well, it’s a flop. Have any of your recent plans been a flop?



6. Is your career (or your studies) working out the way you planned, imagined or expected? Teaching private English classes in Brazil is working out a whole lot better than I originally anticipated.

7. How are your English classes/ studies working out so far? Do you feel like you’re progressing?

8. The United Nation’s “efforts” to bring peace or a ceasefire in Syria is not working out.

9. Have you ever had a crazy idea or plan that worked out really well?

10. If something doesn’t work out, is it usually your fault or is it someone else’s fault... or just the circumstances you find yourself in?