how is it working

USAGE SUMMARY

"how is it working?" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to ask about the current functionality or operation of something. Example: "Can you please explain how the new computer system is working? I'm having trouble understanding it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

How is it working?

The New York Times

How is it working so far?

The New York Times

And how is it working out?

The New York Times - Science

How is it working so closely with your brothers?

The New York Times

How is it working so closely with your father? A. It depends on the day.

The New York Times

How is it working out for Louis-Dreyfus? "I actually dig it.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Jennifer, how was it working with Mr. Zucchelli?

The New York Times

How was it working with a British musician?

The Guardian - Music

How was it working for Robert Stern? A. Wonderful.

The New York Times

Uh, Mr. Voight, how was it working with Denzel?

The New York Times

Constine: How was it working with Snapchat on this?

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking "how is it working?", be specific about what "it" refers to in the context. This avoids ambiguity and ensures a relevant response.

Common error

Avoid using "how is it working?" without a clear antecedent for "it". Saying just that without any context might confuse people and lead to unhelpful responses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how is it working" functions primarily as an interrogative expression. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples where the phrase initiates a question regarding the status or functionality of a system, process, or relationship.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "how is it working" serves as a straightforward and versatile way to inquire about the status or effectiveness of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While grammatically sound, specifying the subject to which "it" refers ensures clarity and relevance. Related phrases such as "how's it going" and "how is it progressing" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the context. Avoid ambiguity by providing a clear referent for "it". Overall, it's a commonly used phrase. It's important to note that while "how is it working?" is generally acceptable, ensure that your use of language suits your audience, context, and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

How well does it work?

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the degree of effectiveness.

How is it progressing?

Focuses specifically on the advancement or development of something.

How's it going?

A more casual and general way to ask about the progress or status of something.

Is it functioning correctly?

Emphasizes whether something is operating as intended, technically.

How effective is it?

Shifts the focus to the measure of success or impact.

What's the status?

A more concise and direct way to inquire about the current state.

How is it holding up?

Focuses on the durability or sustainability of the process or item.

Is it up and running?

Focuses on whether the project or process is active and operational.

What are the results so far?

Asks for specific outcomes or achievements to date.

Can you give me an update?

A polite and open-ended request for information about progress.

FAQs

How can I use "how is it working" in a sentence?

You can use "how is it working" to inquire about the functionality or status of something. For example: "We implemented the new software last week. How is it working?"

What's a less direct way to ask "how is it working"?

Instead of "how is it working?", you could ask "how is it progressing?" or "what's the status?" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "how is it working" in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, consider using phrases like "how effective is it?" or "Could you provide an update on its functionality?"

Is "how is it working" always a question?

Yes, "how is it working" is typically used as an interrogative phrase to inquire about the operation or performance of something.