get stuff to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get stuff to work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used informally to describe the process of making something function or operate properly. Example: "After several attempts, I finally managed to get the software stuff to work on my computer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

TechCrunch

Huffington Post

BBC

Vice

Los Angeles Times

The Guardian

The New York Times

Forbes

Independent

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Of course, innovation (at all levels of expertise) also has a high failure rate, so in addition to humility, you need a relentless belief that you can get stuff to work, that you can build something with your ideas (that they do not remain ideas), and you need to take ownership of that belief so it becomes self-motivating.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We weren't 100 per cent and we have got high standards, so we have got stuff to work on there.

Independent

"Joe's got stuff to work with; he got caught with some big right hooks," said promoter David Haye.

BBC

"We have got stuff to work on, including working on translating stuff from the training field on to the pitch, but there is no doom and gloom in our side".

BBC

After letting it dry out for a while (the key to getting stuff to work again), he was able to get the LED to come on and get it working again.

TechCrunch

It's not perfect by a long shot – I've still got stuff to work out, but I wouldn't have ever noticed I had anything to sort out if I had carried on.

Vice

… Probably the single largest thing even before getting the stuff to work in the laboratory is getting at least an appropriate plan in place for IP protection".

Science Magazine

It's hard enough getting this stuff to work, but Powell may have an even harder time selling it to the businesses that could use it the most.

Forbes

How big a part this will play is uncertain, but anywhere Microsoft is investing is worth watching, even if getting this stuff to work on your PC today is more a trial than a triumph.

Forbes

For the past six decades, the focus in software moved from just getting the stuff to work to making sure it kept working and then to making sure it was secure first from the standpoint of mirrored operations and disaster recovery to the more recent cybersecurity.

Forbes

"We've got some stuff to work on.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for technical audiences, consider more precise terms like 'debug systems' or 'troubleshoot problems' for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "get stuff to work" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like 'implement solutions' or 'ensure functionality'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get stuff to work" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of making something operational or functional. As Ludwig confirms, it is commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

TechCrunch

15%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Vice

5%

Los Angeles Times

5%

The Guardian

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get stuff to work" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English to describe making something function correctly. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, its informal tone makes it more suitable for casual communication. For formal or technical writing, consider alternatives like "ensure functionality" or "implement solutions". The phrase is widely used in News & Media sources, demonstrating its common presence in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make something function

A more general version of the original phrase.

make things functional

Focuses on the result of making things work.

get things operational

Emphasizes the state of being ready for operation.

get something running

Emphasizes starting and maintaining operation.

troubleshoot problems

Highlights the problem-solving aspect.

resolve issues

Formal way to say fixing problems.

fix technical difficulties

Specifically addresses technical problems.

implement solutions

Focuses on applying solutions to make things work.

debug systems

Technical term for fixing errors in systems.

bring something online

Implies getting a system or component active and running.

FAQs

What does "get stuff to work" mean?

It means to successfully make something function or operate correctly, often after some effort or troubleshooting.

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

You can use alternatives like "make things functional", "get things operational", or "resolve issues" depending on the context.

Is "get stuff to work" grammatically correct?

Yes, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English, especially in informal contexts. Ludwig confirms this.

How to use "get stuff to work" in a sentence?

Example: "After several attempts, I finally managed to "get stuff to work" on my computer."