if it worked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if it worked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a conditional sentence to indicate that something could happen if a certain condition is met. For example: "If it worked, then I would be able to get the job done quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I thought, what if it worked?

The New York Times

If It Worked for Willy...

The New York Times

We'll see if it worked.

The New York Times - Books

Again, if it worked, I'd recommend it.

Harvard Business Review

We'll find out tomorrow if it worked.

The New York Times

You can decide if it worked.

The Guardian - Tech

If it worked, it would be brilliant.

The Guardian

I would be for their agenda too if it worked.

The New York Times

Imagine what Italy might achieve if it worked even better.

The Economist

And if it worked, the Jets would be considering it.

The New York Times - Sports

If it worked on anyone, it was probably me!

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if it worked" to discuss past attempts or hypotheticals where the success is already determined or being evaluated.

Common error

Avoid using "if it worked" when referring to future possibilities. Instead, use "if it works" for present or future conditionals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it worked" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a hypothetical scenario in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in conditional sentences. It sets up a condition that, if met, would lead to a specific outcome or consequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

22%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if it worked" is a grammatically correct and frequently used conditional clause that introduces a hypothetical scenario in the past. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across various contexts, from news and media to academic and informal settings. It's crucial to distinguish its past hypothetical use from future conditional forms like "if it works" or "if it will work." Key takeaways include using it for past attempts or evaluations and avoiding it when referring to future possibilities. Remembering these distinctions will help ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it was successful

Replaces "worked" with a more formal synonym, focusing on the successful outcome.

if it was effective

Emphasizes the effectiveness of the action or plan being considered.

if it proved useful

Focuses on the utility or usefulness of the action or plan.

assuming it succeeded

Implies a condition based on the success of a previous action.

if it achieved results

Highlights the achievement of specific results or outcomes.

in the event it was fruitful

A more formal alternative, highlighting the fruitfulness of the endeavor.

provided it had the desired effect

Focuses on the desired effect or intended outcome.

on the condition that it functioned

A more formal way of expressing the conditional nature, emphasizing the 'functioning' aspect.

should it have functioned

A more technical and less common way of expressing the conditional.

if it panned out

A more informal way of saying 'if it worked out as planned'.

FAQs

How can I use "if it worked" in a sentence?

"If it worked" is used to describe a hypothetical situation in the past. For example, "I was hoping "if it worked", we could finish the project on time".

What's a good alternative to "if it worked"?

Alternatives include "if it was successful", "assuming it succeeded", or "if it proved useful", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "if it will work" instead of "if it worked"?

No, "if it will work" has a different meaning. "If it worked" refers to a past hypothetical situation, while "if it will work" refers to a future possibility. You can use also "if it works" to refer to a future possibility.

What is the difference between "if it worked" and "if it had worked"?

"If it worked" typically refers to a general condition or a specific attempt. "If it had worked" implies a stronger sense of regret or unfulfilled potential, suggesting that something could have been different had the outcome been positive.