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Can you please tell if there is any difference in meaning between work out a problem and work through a problem? For example:
I can't tell why the laptop is going haywire not, but I'll work out that problem.
I can't tell why the laptop is going haywire not, but I'll work through that problem.
In American English, “work something out” and “work through something” have overlapping fields of meaning.
“Work something out” frequently means to resolve something.
I am serious about working this dispute out without lawyers and without jeopardizing our relationship
indicates a desire to end a dispute amicably.
“Work through something” frequently means to analyze something carefully with a view to understanding.
I am trying to work through Ricardo’s theory of value, but am finding it quite obscure
indicates a desire to fully understand that theory.
However, we frequently want to understand something in order to resolve it. In such situations, either locution may spring to mind.
I am trying to work through this notice of a tax deficiency
with the unstated purpose of resolving it
Yes, I am studying the notice of tax deficiency. I want to work this out promptly
Either phrase may be appropriate in such a situation. They have different primary meanings, but those meanings are often closely related.
work out a problem means to figure out how to do something.
The Brits use work out often where a AmE speaker would use figure out. However, work out is not only British.
"I can't seem to work out those parking tickets." [Why I got them]
Work through a problem means to go step by step when faced with a problem in order to resolve it using a process, even if that process is informal.
"We have to work through the structural load issues before starting to build."
