does that work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does that work" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to ask if a proposed solution, suggestion, or plan is acceptable or effective. Example: "I can meet you at 3 PM for the meeting. Does that work for you?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

How on Earth does that work?'.

BBC

And does that work?

The New York Times

How does that work?

The New York Times

Does that work?

Forbes

So how does that work?

The New York Times

Hypnosis – does that work?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Why did that work?

The New Yorker

How did that work out?

The New York Times

How did that work out, fellas?

The New York Times

And how did that work out?

The New York Times

How did that work out for him?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does that work", consider the specific context and desired outcome. Ensure the phrasing aligns with the level of formality and the intended audience.

Common error

Avoid using "does that work" excessively in highly formal or professional settings. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "is that feasible" or "is that suitable" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does that work" functions primarily as an interrogative used to inquire about the efficacy or suitability of a plan, method, or object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. Examples illustrate its use in various contexts, seeking confirmation of practical application.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does that work" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed question to assess the effectiveness or suitability of a plan or method. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is generally correct. While adaptable across various contexts, it's best suited for neutral or informal settings; formal situations may benefit from more refined alternatives. The analysis of example sentences from sources like the The New York Times and Forbes highlight its common use in news and media. Thus, when seeking feedback on practicality or acceptability, "does that work" serves as a reliable and straightforward inquiry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is that effective

Focuses specifically on the effectiveness of something, implying a desired outcome.

is that functional

Highlights the functionality of something, emphasizing its operational capability.

is that feasible

Examines the practicality of something, considering whether it's possible to achieve.

is that viable

Questions whether something can realistically succeed or be sustained over time.

is that suitable

Asks about the appropriateness of something for a specific purpose or situation.

is that going to succeed

Directly questions the likelihood of a positive outcome or achievement.

will that be successful

Similar to the previous phrase, but with a slightly more formal tone.

is that a good idea

Inquires about the general wisdom or soundness of a proposed action or plan.

is that a solution

Explores whether something can solve a specific problem or address a need.

is that the right approach

Considers the appropriateness of a method or strategy for achieving a desired result.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to ask "does that work"?

In formal situations, you can use phrases like "is that feasible", "is that viable", or "is that suitable" instead of asking "does that work".

How can I rephrase "does that work" to be more specific?

To be more specific, consider rephrasing based on what you're asking about. For example, "is this approach effective?" or "is this plan sustainable?"

What does it mean when someone asks "does that work for you?"

Asking "does that work for you?" implies that you are trying to determine if a plan, suggestion, or solution suits someone's needs or preferences.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "does that work"?

While generally acceptable, "does that work" might be too informal for highly professional or academic settings. Consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use it.