barely works

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barely works" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that functions with difficulty or only to a minimal extent. Example: "The old printer barely works, often jamming and producing faded prints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Nearly two months after its launch, the federal health-exchange barely works.

The Economist

"The code is sloppy and it barely works and it gives me a headache when I use it," he said.

The New Yorker

Another roommate is Sully (Eric Christian Olsen), his older, but far more childish brother, who barely works at odd jobs in order to stay free to pick up girls and drink.

The New York Times - Arts

Mat played a variety of instruments, including drums and sax, but it was as the hammer dulcimerist at the front of his eclectic world-folk acoustic combo, the Barely Works, that he made his next impact, in the early 90s.

The Guardian

But I get angry when you charge me $20 a day for a connection that barely works when I can get a better connection at a coffee shop next door for free.

TechCrunch

Although the argument from design is a nonscientific belief that appeals to many people, biologists have long known of countless examples of odd "it barely works" structures that do not appear to reflect an omnipotent, benevolent god or, for that matter, an overly intelligent designer.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Federal institutions barely work there.

The Economist

Governance was barely working before.

The Economist

Last year, she barely worked.

The New York Times

I can barely work.

The Guardian

He barely worked again.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "barely works", ensure the context clearly indicates the extent of the limited functionality. Provide specific details about what aspects are failing or difficult.

Common error

Avoid using "barely works" when something is completely broken. This phrase implies some level of operation, however minimal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely works" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating that something operates with minimal effectiveness. Ludwig's examples show this in contexts ranging from technical systems to physical objects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "barely works" is grammatically correct and used to describe something that functions with difficulty or to a minimal extent. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. While "barely works" is a common phrase, writers should ensure that the context clearly indicates the extent of limited functionality without overstating the ineffectiveness. Alternatives like "hardly functions" or "scarcely operates" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hardly functions

Emphasizes a near absence of functionality.

scarcely operates

Highlights the minimal level of operation.

just manages to work

Indicates a narrow margin of functionality.

only just functions

Stresses the limited capacity to function.

almost non-functional

Highlights the proximity to being completely broken.

operates marginally

Focuses on the small degree of operation.

functions poorly

Emphasizes the low quality of function.

is barely functional

Describes a state of minimal functionality.

is minimally operative

Highlights the lowest possible level of activity.

is near to failure

Focuses on the imminent risk of ceasing to work.

FAQs

How can I use "barely works" in a sentence?

You can use "barely works" to describe something that functions with difficulty or only to a minimal extent. For example: "The old printer "barely works", often jamming and producing faded prints."

What can I say instead of "barely works"?

You can use alternatives like "hardly functions", "scarcely operates", or "only just functions" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "barely works" or "barely working"?

Both "barely works" and "barely working" can be correct depending on the sentence structure. "Barely works" is typically used as the main verb phrase (e.g., "The system barely works"), while "barely working" is used as a participle phrase (e.g., "The barely working system").

What's the difference between "barely works" and "almost works"?

"Barely works" suggests that something is functioning at a minimal level, whereas "almost works" implies that something is close to functioning but not quite there yet. The phrase "almost works" suggests more potential than "barely works".