go to work

To travel to the place where you do your job.

• I go to work by bus.
• She went to work early yesterday.
• Do you go to work on Saturdays?

How to use it: go to work by something (I go to work by bus.)

Similar words: commute

Common phrases: go to work early, go to work daily

To begin doing a task.

• We went to work immediately.
• She went to work on the broken chair.
• Once the plan was clear, the team went to work.

How to use it: go to work on something (The mechanic went to work on the engine.)

Similar words: get started, get to work, set to work

Opposites: stop

Common phrases: go to work immediately, go to work on

To do something with great energy or enthusiasm, sometimes doing more than necessary.

• She really went to work decorating.
• The chef went to work on the cake, adding flowers and gold stars.
• They went to work on the party plans with tremendous enthusiasm.

How to use it: go to work on something (She really went to work on the wedding decorations.)

Similar words: go to town, throw yourself into

Common phrases: really go to work, go to work decorating

To hit someone repeatedly and badly hurt them.

• The gang went to work on him.
• Two men went to work on the victim with sticks.
• He was badly bruised after the attackers went to work on him.

How to use it: go to work on someone (The attackers went to work on him with their fists.)

Similar words: beat up, batter

Common phrases: go to work on, go to work brutally