did its work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did its work" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to suggest that something has been effective or successful in achieving its desired outcome or goal. For example: "The new incentive scheme did its work; productivity increased significantly in the last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

(The unit that Scheuer had headed was known as the Manson Family, for the zeal with which it did its work).

The New York Times - Books

Soon after the measure was first proposed to stem the outflow of funds from the United States in order to help solve the nation's balance of payments problem, it did its work quickly and well and sales of foreign securities here practically came to a stop.

The New York Times

Long before the group of survivors, officially called the Holocaust Memorial Foundation of Illinois, had a sparkling new building complete with art galleries and a children's wing, it did its work out of a modest storefront on Main Street in a residential neighborhood next to a pub.

The New York Times

But it did its work, and so did the convention.

Huffington Post

Like all good graphic design, it did its work well.

Los Angeles Times

In the old system each functional group design, engineering and so on did its work and passed it on to the next.

Forbes

Otherwise, the idea is no closer to realization than it was before the commission did its work.

The New York Times

For seven years, the Truth & Reconciliation Commission did its work, and many wondered how closely it would stick to its mandate of addressing mandatory residential schools in Canada.

Vice

For seven years, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission did its work, and many wondered how closely it would stick to its mandate of addressing mandatory residential schools in Canada.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Let's let it do its work," he said.

The New York Times

As the drug does its work, it is attacked and gradually destroyed ("metabolised") by various enzymes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject clearly identifies what performed the action. For example, "The marketing campaign did its work" is clearer than "It did its work" without prior context.

Common error

Avoid using "did its work" with an unclear pronoun. Ensure the 'it' has a clear and immediate antecedent to prevent ambiguity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

"Did its work" functions as a predicate phrase, indicating that the subject has successfully completed its task or fulfilled its intended function. It's a concise way to convey effectiveness and achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and frequently employed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "did its work" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that indicates successful completion or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI validates, it is suitable for various contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain academic or professional settings. The phrase sees frequent usage in news and media, with less common application in more formal or encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Remember to explore options like "achieved its purpose" or "proved effective" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieved its purpose

Focuses on the intention behind the action and its fulfillment.

accomplished its goal

Emphasizes the attainment of a specific target or objective.

fulfilled its function

Highlights the role or duty and its successful execution.

proved effective

Indicates that something has shown to produce the intended result.

operated successfully

Suggests that something functioned well and achieved a positive outcome.

performed as intended

Highlights the designed or expected performance.

yielded the desired result

Focuses on the outcome and its alignment with expectations.

had the desired effect

Emphasizes the impact or consequence of an action.

brought about the intended outcome

Highlights the process of achieving a planned result.

served its purpose

This alternative emphasizes the successful serving of a specific aim or need.

FAQs

How can I use "did its work" in a sentence?

You can use "did its work" to indicate that something was successful or effective in achieving its intended purpose. For example, "The new policy "did its work" and improved employee morale".

What are some alternatives to saying "did its work"?

Alternatives include "achieved its purpose", "accomplished its goal", or "proved effective" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "did its work" in formal writing?

Yes, "did its work" is acceptable in formal writing, but consider more sophisticated alternatives like "fulfilled its function" or "performed as intended" for a more professional tone.

What does it mean when something "did its work"?

When something "did its work", it means it successfully achieved its intended goal or effect. It implies that the action or process was effective and accomplished what it was designed to do.