Say it like this
- I'm working on the login bug right now.
- What are you working on this sprint?
- She's been working on that feature for two weeks.
- We need someone to work on the API integration.
- I'll work on it after lunch.
Use it at work
Status
- I'm working on the login bug.
- What are you working on today?
Planning
- I'll work on this after lunch.
- Can you work on the docs next?
Feedback
- I'm working on my presentation skills.
- This needs more work on the error messages.
Don't say this
Use 'on' not 'in' when you mean focusing effort on a task or project.
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. How would you tell your team what you're doing today?
2. Find the error: 'I'm working on this feature since last week.'
3. Yesterday I _____ on the database schema, and today I'll continue with the API.
4. Rewrite: 'I am making the new dashboard feature now.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 5
"I'm working on the login bug right now."
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More about work on
Real examples(7)
- Standup
"Yesterday I worked on the payment flow, and today I'll continue working on the checkout page."
- Slack message
"Hey team, I'm working on the database migration. Should be done by EOD."
- GitHub PR
"This PR addresses the issue I've been working on for the past week."
- Jira ticket
"Currently working on implementing the search functionality as described in the requirements."
- Retrospective
"We spent too much time working on features that weren't prioritized."
- Sprint planning
"I can work on the user authentication story this sprint."
- Pair programming
"Let's work on this function together—I think we can simplify it."
More mistakes(2)
- ✕I work on it yesterday.✓I worked on it yesterday.
Use past tense 'worked' for completed actions in the past.
- ✕I'm working on since Monday.✓I've been working on it since Monday.
Use present perfect continuous for actions that started in the past and continue now.
Other forms(5)
- work on base form
"I need to work on the bug fix."
- working on present continuous
"I'm working on the API endpoint."
- worked on past simple
"I worked on the documentation yesterday."
- have worked on present perfect
"I have worked on similar projects before."
- have been working on present perfect continuous
"I've been working on this issue all morning."
Often used with(6)
- work on a feature · Building or improving a specific product feature
- work on a bug · Trying to fix a problem in the code
- work on a ticket · Completing the task described in Jira/Linear
- work on improvements · Making something better over time
- continue working on · Keep doing something you started before
- start working on · Begin a new task or project
Similar words(5)
- focus on · Emphasizes concentration and priority
- tackle · Implies dealing with something difficult or challenging
- handle · Often used for managing tasks or responsibilities
- address · More formal; often used for problems or issues
- develop · Specifically for building or creating something new
Opposites(5)
- finish
- complete
- wrap up
- put aside
- deprioritize
Questions(6)
- What does 'work on' mean in a standup?
- 'Work on' means to spend time and effort on a task. In standups, engineers say 'I'm working on...' to explain their current focus. It's the most common way to describe what you're doing.
- Can I say 'I'm working in' instead of 'I'm working on'?
- No, use 'work on' for tasks and projects. 'Work in' describes your field or location (e.g., 'I work in fintech' or 'I work in Berlin'). For tasks, always use 'work on'.
- How do I say I've been doing something for a while?
- Use present perfect continuous: 'I've been working on this bug since Monday.' This shows the task started in the past and is still ongoing.
- Is 'work on' too casual for formal emails?
- 'Work on' is neutral and works everywhere—standups, Slack, tickets, and emails. It's professional enough for any workplace context.
- What's the difference between 'work on' and 'tackle'?
- 'Work on' is neutral and describes ongoing effort. 'Tackle' suggests the task is difficult or challenging. Use 'tackle' when you want to emphasize that something is hard.
- How do I ask someone what they're doing?
- Ask 'What are you working on?' This is friendly and natural. You can also ask 'What are you working on this sprint?' to ask about their current priorities.
