get something to work

USAGE SUMMARY

"get something to work" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a process of trying to make something functional. For example, "The team has been working for weeks to get the new software to work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"There are areas where we have to have some clarification, and when you get something to work with that's a good thing".

The New York Times

"It doesn't prove that's the way life originated," says Cech, "but if you could get something to work in the laboratory, it's at least plausible".

Forbes

By creating simple games, companies like these invite kids to try to get something to work, a robot that dances or lights blink on and off.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The satisfaction of getting something to work.

The New York Times

I loved when I got something to work".

The New York Times

He added, "We've got something to work with now".

The New York Times - Sports

The electronics industry has moved out of its initial phase: getting something to work.

The New York Times - Tech

"Now we've got something to work with," he recalls thinking to himself.

The New York Times

"We've got something to work with now," said Appleby, delighted by what he saw.

The Guardian - Sport

If you can do that, then even if it's not that good you have got something to work at.

The Guardian - Books

What can Obama do to at least turn that part of the argument around, once he's actually got something to work with here?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing technical documentation, use "get something to work" to describe the process of making a system or component functional after initial setup or troubleshooting.

Common error

Avoid using "get something to work" in highly formal documents like legal contracts or academic papers. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives such as "ensure functionality" or "establish operational status."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get something to work" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a larger verb phrase. It describes the action of making something operational or functional. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get something to work" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes the process of making something functional. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and audience when choosing this phrase. For highly formal settings, more precise alternatives may be preferred. The phrase is commonly found in news, technical documentation, and general discussions about problem-solving and achieving functionality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make something functional

Focuses on achieving a working state for an item.

get something operational

Emphasizes the state of being ready for use.

resolve an issue

Emphasizes the problem-solving aspect of making something operational.

troubleshoot a problem

Highlights the diagnostic and repair process.

activate something

Emphasizes the action of making something active or functional.

bring something online

Specifically refers to making a system or device operational, often in a digital context.

debug a system

Focuses on the technical process of removing errors from a system.

make something run

Highlights the action of starting or operating something.

fix something

A simpler, more general way to express repairing something.

repair something

Focuses on restoring something to a functional state.

FAQs

How can I use "get something to work" in a sentence?

You can use "get something to work" to describe the process of making something functional, like, "The engineer spent hours trying to get the machine to work properly."

What can I say instead of "get something to work"?

Alternatives include "make something functional", "resolve an issue", or "troubleshoot a problem", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "get something to work" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "get something to work" is generally more appropriate for informal or technical contexts. For formal writing, consider using phrases like "ensure functionality" or "establish operational status".

What does it mean to "get something to work"?

To "get something to work" means to successfully make something functional or operational, often after encountering difficulties or troubleshooting issues.