get this to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get this to work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to making something function properly or successfully, often in a technical or problem-solving context. Example: "I've tried several methods, but I still can't get this to work; can you help me troubleshoot?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

How can I get this to work?

University of California, Berkeley

Let me see if I can get this to work.

Cornell University

But Rich and Brandon couldn't get this to work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I was at the point of saying: 'I've got to get this to work.

The New York Times - Sports

So the Fed has to offer incentives to get this to work.

The Guardian - Business

And, on one occasion when a passenger couldn't get this to work, the captain himself came back to serve him.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Have you gotten this to work?' Nobody had".

The New Yorker

Excite says that getting this to work is its chief concern as Jango is fitted into its shopping channel.

The Economist

(We haven't actually gotten this to work yet, but I'm hopeful).

TechCrunch

"Getting this to work on mobile devices and tablets will be incredibly important to us," said Glaser.

Forbes

And that familiarity is part of the idea to getting this to work on the enterprise level.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get this to work", ensure the context clearly indicates what "this" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the object or system you are trying to make functional.

Common error

While acceptable in many situations, avoid using "get this to work" in highly formal documents. Opt for more professional alternatives like "ensure functionality" or "implement successfully" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get this to work" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as a verb complement or expressing purpose. It indicates the action of making something functional or successful, with Ludwig confirming its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

28%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science & Research

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get this to work" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that expresses the need to make something functional or successful. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While versatile, its usage frequency is uncommon, and it may not be suitable for highly formal contexts. Consider more professional alternatives in such cases. Usage patterns indicate its prevalence in News & Media and Academia, with examples demonstrating its application in problem-solving and goal achievement. Key to effective use is ensuring clarity in what "this" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. The sources analyzed point to its general acceptability, though stylistic adjustments may be necessary depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make this functional

Replaces the idiomatic "get this to work" with a more direct and technical term.

make this operational

Similar to "make this functional", but emphasizes the state of being ready for use.

get this functioning

Focuses on the active process of something working, using a gerund form.

bring this online

Specifically suggests making something active or available, particularly in a technical context.

ensure this is effective

Shifts the focus to the effectiveness of the action or object, rather than just its operability.

implement this successfully

Emphasizes the successful execution and integration of something.

sort this out

An informal way of saying "resolve this issue and make it work".

fix this

A more direct and concise way to express the need to repair or correct something so it functions properly.

resolve this

Focuses on solving a problem to achieve a desired outcome or functionality.

make this a success

Broadens the scope from mere functionality to overall success.

FAQs

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

You can use "get this to work" when you are trying to make something function properly or successfully. For example, "I'm having trouble getting this new software to work" or "We need to get this marketing strategy to work if we want to increase sales."

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

You can use alternatives like "make this functional", "ensure this is effective", or "implement this successfully" depending on the context.

Is "get this to work" appropriate for formal writing?

While "get this to work" is grammatically correct, it might be too informal for certain formal contexts. In such cases, consider using phrases like "ensure functionality" or "achieve operational status".

What does "get this to work" imply?

"Get this to work" implies an effort to resolve a problem or overcome a challenge to achieve a desired outcome or functionality. It suggests that some action or intervention is required to make something function as intended.