is not working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not working" is correct and usable in written English, and it can be used in a variety of contexts.
For example: "My computer is not working, so I can't finish this project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is not working.

The New York Times

Engagement is not working".

The New York Times - Magazine

Austerity is not working.

Independent

The system is not working.

The New York Times

This strategy is not working.

The New York Times

The policy is not working.

The Economist

Obviously, stability is not working".

The New York Times

Public transportation is not working.

The New Yorker

"Communication is not working.

The Guardian

Prevent is not working.

The Guardian

Culture is not working.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a problem, be specific about why "is not working". For example, instead of saying "The system is not working", specify "The system is not working because the server is down".

Common error

Don't just state something "is not working" without providing context. Explain what "it" refers to and what the expected outcome was. This prevents confusion and allows for targeted troubleshooting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not working" primarily functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that the subject is failing to operate correctly or produce the intended outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not working" is a grammatically sound and highly prevalent expression used to describe a state of malfunction or ineffectiveness. Ludwig AI analysis and examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian confirm its correctness and widespread applicability. While appropriate in neutral contexts, specific reasons for the malfunction should be included for clarity. Consider alternatives like "is malfunctioning" or "is ineffective" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not functioning

A more formal way of saying something isn't working.

does not work

A more concise and direct way of expressing the same idea.

is malfunctioning

Focuses specifically on the idea that something is not functioning correctly.

is inoperative

Highlights the state of being not in operation or not functioning.

is not effective

Focuses on the lack of effectiveness or the inability to achieve the intended outcome.

is out of order

Commonly used for equipment or systems that are temporarily not functioning.

is ineffective

Emphasizes that something is not producing the desired result.

is unproductive

Focuses on the lack of productivity or output.

is failing

Suggests that something is deteriorating or not succeeding.

is broken

Indicates that something is damaged or no longer functional.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is not working"?

When something "is not working", it means that it's failing to produce the intended or expected result. This could apply to a device, a system, a plan, or even a person's efforts.

How can I use "is not working" in a sentence?

You can use "is not working" to describe a variety of situations. For example, "The printer "is not working", so I can't print the document" or "This strategy "is not working"; we need to try something else".

What can I say instead of "is not working"?

You can use alternatives like "is malfunctioning", "is ineffective", or "is out of order" depending on the context.

Is it ever appropriate to use "ain't working" instead of "is not working"?

While "ain't working" conveys the same meaning, it's considered informal and grammatically incorrect in standard English. Stick to "is not working" in formal or professional settings.