for this to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'for this to work' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use 'for this to work' in the context of a need for a certain plan or action to be successful or have the desired effect. For example: "We need to make sure that all the pieces are in place for this to work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For this to work, gluons must also carry color.

The Guardian

But for this to work, we need you, too.

The Guardian - Film

"Progressive people are pulling for this to work".

The New York Times - Sports

For this to work, of course, Javid would need a willing participant on the other side.

The Guardian

For this to work, WhenU and Claria must have the Web surfer's complicity.

The New York Times

"It's very important to give your soul for this to work.

The New York Times - Arts

There needed to be so many yeses for this to work.

The Guardian - Music

"His exact words were, 'You've proven too politically controversial for this to work,' " Professor Chemerinsky said.

The New York Times

"For this to work," Mr. Lang said, "the government would have to take over price negotiations.

The New York Times

"But for this to work it has to strike a real nerve.

The New York Times

"Everyone's got to have some skin in the game for this to work".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "for this to work" with a more specific phrase if the context allows for greater clarity, such as "for this plan to succeed".

Common error

Avoid using "for this to work" when it's unclear what "this" refers to. Always ensure the antecedent is explicitly stated or easily understood from the context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for this to work" functions as a connector, introducing a necessary condition or requirement for something to be successful or effective. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used across various domains to highlight prerequisites.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

35%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for this to work" is a versatile phrase used to introduce the conditions necessary for a plan, method, or idea to succeed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what "this" refers to, and consider more specific alternatives for enhanced clarity. Common errors include ambiguity regarding the referent of "this". Remember, clarity is key when setting conditions for success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for it to be effective

Focuses on the effectiveness of something rather than just its basic functionality.

if it is to succeed

Emphasizes the success of an action or plan as the desired outcome.

for it to be viable

Highlights the feasibility and sustainability aspects.

in order for this to function

Emphasizes basic functionality as the requirement.

if this is to be achieved

Focuses on the achievement of a specific goal.

for this to be implemented successfully

Highlights successful implementation.

so that it may operate correctly

Emphasizes the correct operation of a system or process.

on the condition that it operates

Stresses a condition that must be met for operation.

provided that it functions properly

Highlights proper functionality as a necessary provision.

assuming it is correctly executed

Emphasizes correct execution as an assumption for success.

FAQs

How can I use "for this to work" in a sentence?

Use "for this to work" to introduce a condition or requirement necessary for a particular plan, method, or idea to be successful. For example, "For this project to work, we need adequate funding".

What are some alternatives to "for this to work"?

You can use alternatives like "for it to be effective", "if it is to succeed", or "in order for this to function" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in order for this to work"?

Yes, "in order for this to work" is grammatically correct and serves the same purpose as "for this to work", emphasizing the necessary conditions for success. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "for this to work" and "for this to happen"?

"For this to work" implies a desired outcome that requires specific actions or conditions, focusing on functionality or success. "For this to happen" is more general and simply indicates that something needs to occur, without necessarily implying success or functionality. You might say, "For this to happen, we need more volunteers" but "For this to work, we need a detailed plan".