does not work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'does not work' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to something that doesn't function or produce the desired result. For example, "This computer does not work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That does not work".

Independent

Insularity does not work.

The Economist

Democracy does not work.

The New York Times

Talent alone does not work.

The New York Times - Sports

Abstinence-only does not work.

The Economist

This usually does not work.

The New Yorker

Self regulation does not work.

The Guardian

Because tyranny does not work.

The New York Times

He does not work alone.

The New York Times

My wife does not work.

The New York Times

Appeasement does not work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the subject of what "does not work" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "It does not work", specify "This method does not work".

Common error

While "does not work" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "is ineffective" or "fails to achieve the desired outcome" in academic or professional writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not work" functions as a predicate, expressing that a subject is non-functional or ineffective. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Examples show its use across various subjects, from technology to abstract concepts like democracy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not work" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is not functioning correctly or is ineffective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in various contexts, though more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional settings. Its high frequency across news, science, and wiki sources underscores its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in specifying what exactly "does not work" to avoid ambiguity. While versatile, be mindful of the specific context and choose synonyms like "is ineffective" or "fails to function" for a more refined tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not effective

Similar to 'is ineffective' but slightly less formal.

is ineffective

Indicates a lack of desired effect or outcome. Slightly more formal.

fails to function

Emphasizes a breakdown or inability to operate as intended.

is out of order

Often used for machines or systems that are temporarily not functioning.

is broken

Indicates a state of being damaged or non-functional, often permanently.

is not running

Specifies that a process or machine is not currently operating.

is unproductive

Suggests a lack of output or results; often used in business contexts.

is futile

Implies that the effort is pointless and will not achieve the desired result.

is in vain

Similar to 'is futile', indicating a lack of success despite effort.

doesn't cut it

An informal way of saying something is not good enough or sufficient.

FAQs

How can I use "does not work" in a sentence?

You can use "does not work" to indicate that something is not functioning as intended. For example, "The new software "does not work" on older computers".

What are some alternatives to "does not work"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is ineffective", "fails to function", or "is out of order".

Is it better to say "does not work" or "doesn't work"?

"Doesn't work" is a contraction of "does not work" and is suitable for informal contexts. "Does not work" is slightly more formal but both are grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "does not work" and "is not working"?

"Does not work" generally describes a persistent or inherent inability to function, while "is not working" often refers to a temporary state of malfunction. For example, "This machine "does not work"" implies it's broken, while "This machine "is not working"" suggests it's temporarily out of service.