doesn't work either

USAGE SUMMARY

"doesn't work either" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing something that has been attempted to be solved or fixed but has failed. For example: "I tried unplugging it and plugging it back in, but that doesn't work either."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

And what if that doesn't work either?

The Guardian

Backing off doesn't work either because, while you ponder, he darts.

The New York Times - Sports

Friday doesn't work either, because it's the beginning of Shabbat and so only a half working day.

The New York Times

"Partial deregulation doesn't work," he said, "and deregulation without some sort of governance structure doesn't work, either".

The New York Times

Very little just doesn't work, either, but all its capabilities require some effort and input from the user.

The Guardian - Opinion

But that doesn't work either, because as soon as I'm comfortably inside my book I inevitably long to get out.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Humor does not work either, especially on serious matters.

WikiHow

If this does not work either, try having him figure what you want.

WikiHow

It didn't work either time.

The New York Times

"That didn't work either," Ms. Butler said, laughing.

The New York Times

That didn't work either, but $56m was wasted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doesn't work either" to clearly indicate that multiple attempts or methods have failed to achieve the desired outcome. This helps to avoid ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "doesn't work either" when only one attempt has been made. This phrase implies that at least one other method has already been tried and failed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doesn't work either" functions as a conjunction phrase, linking a failed attempt to a previous one. It indicates that a subsequent action or method is also unsuccessful, building upon a prior unsuccessful attempt. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

21%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doesn't work either" is a versatile and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig, to denote the failure of a second attempt or method, building upon a previous unsuccessful one. Grammatically correct and widely accepted, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and informal communications. While more formal alternatives may exist for academic or scientific writing, "doesn't work either" remains a clear and effective way to express the futility of an action after a prior failure. Remember, use it to convey a sequence of unsuccessful attempts and avoid it when only one attempt has been made. Its high frequency in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian confirms its reliability and appropriateness in modern English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is also ineffective

Focuses on the ineffectiveness of something else.

is equally unsuccessful

Emphasizes the equal lack of success.

is to no avail as well

Highlights that something else also has no positive result.

is fruitless in addition

Indicates the lack of positive outcome in addition to the first.

is also not successful

Simple and direct expression of lack of success.

is ineffective too

Uses "too" to convey 'also'.

fails to work as well

Highlights the failure aspect alongside 'also'.

proves equally unhelpful

Emphasizes a lack of help or benefit.

is similarly unproductive

Focuses on the lack of productivity.

also yields no results

Highlights that there are no results produced.

FAQs

How can I use "doesn't work either" in a sentence?

Use "doesn't work either" to indicate that a second attempt or method is also failing, similar to a previous one. For example, "I tried restarting the computer, but that "did not work". So, I tried reinstalling the software, but that "doesn't work either"."

What's a simple alternative to "doesn't work either"?

A simpler alternative is "is also ineffective". It conveys the same meaning of a second attempt being unsuccessful.

Is "doesn't work either" formal or informal?

"Doesn't work either" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "is similarly unproductive" might be preferred in highly formal writing.

How does "doesn't work either" differ from "doesn't work"?

"Doesn't work" simply states that something is not functioning. "Doesn't work either" implies that something else has already been tried and failed, and this new attempt is also failing. It indicates a sequence of unsuccessful attempts.