What Does โWork round to sthโ Mean?
โWork round to sthโ means to gradually bring up a topic or issue in a conversation after discussing other things first.
Introduction
The phrasal verb โwork round to sthโ is often used when someone wants to start talking about a particular subject but does not mention it immediately. Instead, they approach it slowly or indirectly. Understanding the Work round to sth meaning helps learners speak more naturally and politely, especially when introducing sensitive or important topics. This phrase is common in both spoken and written English, making it useful for everyday communication and formal discussions.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: work round to something
- Type: Intransitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To gradually bring up a topic in conversation
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โWork round to sthโ is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot place the object between the verb and the particle.
- Correct: work round to the topic
- Incorrect: work the topic round to
Common pattern:
- Subject + work round to + object
- Example: She worked round to the main issue carefully.
How to Use Work round to sth?
Use โwork round to sthโ when you want to describe the process of introducing a subject slowly or indirectly. Itโs useful in conversations where you donโt want to bring up a topic abruptly. For example, if you want to talk about a problem but want to start with other things first, you can say you are working round to that problem.
Examples
Here are some examples of how to use Work round to sth in a sentence:
- After discussing the weather and news, he finally worked round to asking about her plans.
- It took a while, but I worked round to the question about his job.
- She worked round to the topic of money carefully during the meeting.
- We worked round to the main issue after talking about other concerns.
- He didnโt mention the problem directly but worked round to it slowly.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners confuse the word order or use the phrase too directly.
- Incorrect: I worked to the problem round.
- Correct: I worked round to the problem.
- Incorrect: She worked round the problem to.
- Correct: She worked round to the problem.
Remember, โwork round toโ is inseparable and the object must follow immediately after โto.โ
Differences / Synonyms
โWork round to sthโ is similar to โget around to sth,โ but they have different meanings. โWork round to sthโ means to bring up a topic slowly, while โget around to sthโ means to finally do something after delay.
- Work round to sth: Introduce a topic gradually.
- Get around to sth: Manage to do something after postponing.
Other similar phrases include โbring upโ or โintroduce,โ but these are more direct and less polite than โwork round to.โ
Common Collocations
We often use โwork round toโ with topics, questions, issues, or subjects. These collocations help specify what is being introduced slowly.
- Work round to a topic: Slowly bring up a subject of conversation.
- Work round to a question: Gradually ask a question.
- Work round to an issue: Slowly start discussing a problem.
- Work round to a point: Gradually make a statement or argument.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of work round to sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using โwork round to sthโ:
Anna: We talked about your trip and the weather. When will you tell me about your new job?
Ben: I was working round to it. I didnโt want to surprise you suddenly.
Anna: No problem! Iโm ready to hear all about it now.
Practice
Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of โwork round to sth.โ
- It took a while, but I finally _________ asking about her plans.
- He didnโt want to be rude, so he _________ the question carefully.
- During the meeting, we _________ the main issue after discussing other topics.
FAQ
- What does โwork round to sthโ mean?
It means to gradually bring up a topic in conversation.
- Is โwork round to sthโ separable?
No, it is inseparable. The object follows โtoโ directly.
- Can I use โwork round toโ in formal writing?
Yes, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
- What is the difference between โwork round toโ and โget around toโ?
โWork round toโ means to bring up a topic slowly; โget around toโ means to finally do something.
- Can I use โwork round toโ with any topic?
Yes, it is commonly used with topics, questions, or issues.
