but it works

USAGE SUMMARY

'but it works' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are making a statement about something and then contradicting it with a condition that renders it acceptable. For example: I don't like the design, but it works.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it works.

The New York Times - Arts

But it works laterally.

The New York Times

Weird, but it works.

The New York Times - Tech

Silly, but it works.

The New York Times

But it works, gloriously.

The Economist

"But it works!" he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it works for me".

The New York Times - Sports

But it works for you.

The New York Times

But it works, sort of.

The New York Times - Arts

But it works for now.

The New Yorker

It's baloney, but it works".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but it works" to acknowledge an unconventional or imperfect solution that nonetheless achieves the desired outcome. It adds a touch of pragmatism and can be more relatable than suggesting an idealized approach.

Common error

Avoid relying on "but it works" as a universal justification. While it's useful for highlighting functional imperfection, overuse can signal a lack of critical thinking or a passive acceptance of suboptimal solutions. Aim for a balance between pragmatism and striving for improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but it works" functions as a concessive conjunction, acknowledging a potential drawback or criticism before affirming the effectiveness or functionality of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It introduces a contrast, suggesting that despite appearances or expectations, the subject achieves its purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but it works" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to acknowledge the effectiveness of a solution or situation despite its imperfections or unconventional nature. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves as a concessive conjunction, highlighting a contrast between expectations and reality. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as wiki content, its neutral-to-informal register makes it a versatile choice for diverse communication scenarios. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid oversimplification and maintain a balance between pragmatism and the pursuit of excellence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet it functions

Replaces 'works' with 'functions', emphasizing the operational aspect, while 'yet' provides a contrast similar to 'but'.

however it's effective

Substitutes 'but' with 'however' and 'works' with 'effective', highlighting the successful outcome despite potential issues.

though it's not ideal, it's operational

Adds a layer of imperfection with 'not ideal' but confirms usability with 'operational'.

despite its flaws, it's usable

Explicitly acknowledges 'flaws' but maintains the practicality with 'usable'.

even so, it's functional

Uses 'even so' as a connector, maintaining the core message of something being in working order.

still, it achieves the purpose

Focuses on the achievement of the 'purpose' despite implied difficulties or imperfections.

it might be strange, but it's effective

Highlights potential oddity with 'strange' while confirming positive results with 'effective'.

it's unconventional, yet it delivers results

Indicates a departure from norms with 'unconventional', but underscores success via 'delivers results'.

it's not pretty, but it gets the job done

Acknowledges aesthetic shortcomings with 'not pretty', but stresses task completion with 'gets the job done'.

it's a workaround, but it succeeds

Identifies the solution as a 'workaround', implying improvisation, but highlights ultimate success.

FAQs

How can I use "but it works" in a sentence?

Use "but it works" to acknowledge that something is effective despite being unconventional, flawed, or not ideal. For example, "The code is messy, but it works."

What are some alternatives to saying "but it works"?

You can use phrases like "yet it functions", "however it's effective", or "despite its flaws, it's usable" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "but it works"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that something achieves the desired outcome, even if it's not the most elegant or conventional method. This phrase is often used to describe pragmatic solutions that are effective despite their imperfections.

What does "but it works" imply about the solution?

It implies that the solution might be unconventional, imperfect, or not the most efficient, but it successfully achieves the intended purpose. It suggests a degree of acceptance or resignation regarding the method's shortcomings.