it almost works

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it almost works" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is close to functioning properly but not quite there yet. Example: "The new software update is promising, but it almost works; there are still a few bugs to fix."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

This slick tracking shot is a bewitching beckon, so self-aware about its own delicious coyness that it almost works as high camp.

Huffington Post

(Oddly, the editing in the uncensored opening unreleased in the West on its original platform changes the pacing enough that it almost works).

Vice

(Oddly, the editing in the uncensored opening – unreleased in the West on its original platform – changes the pacing enough that it almost works).

Vice

And it almost works.

The Guardian - Books

For a while, it almost works.

The Guardian - Film

It almost works as she beckons a half-hearted pogo to their early hit, "Ladyflash".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It almost worked.

The New York Times

And it almost worked.

The New York Times - Magazine

By all accounts, it almost worked.

The New York Times - Books

"They did so much and worked so hard to make us forget who we are," says LeGrand. "It almost worked".

The Guardian - Travel

She tried this screen-free thing once before, earlier this summer, and it "almost worked," she said, leading her to plan for another go this week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it almost works" to describe a situation where a solution or attempt is partially successful but still requires adjustments or improvements.

Common error

Avoid using "almost" with actions that are definitively completed. For example, instead of saying "It almost exploded", consider "It nearly exploded" or "It came close to exploding" if the event didn't actually happen.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it almost works" functions as a statement expressing that something is close to being successful or functional but not quite fully operational or effective. Ludwig examples confirm its role in describing near-success.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it almost works" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that is close to functioning or being successful, but not quite there yet. Ludwig's AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts and can be used in both formal and informal settings. When using this phrase, ensure you are accurately describing a situation where there is potential but also current limitations. Consider alternatives like "it's nearly functional" or "it's almost there" for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's almost there

A shorter, more informal way of saying it's close to completion or success.

it's nearly functional

Emphasizes the nearness to functionality, focusing on the capability aspect.

it's practically effective

Highlights the practical aspect of effectiveness, implying it's effective in practice but with caveats.

it's on the verge of success

Suggests that success is imminent but not yet achieved.

it's close to achieving its goal

Focuses on the proximity to reaching a specific objective.

it narrowly misses the mark

Indicates a slight failure in achieving the desired outcome.

it's just shy of perfect

Highlights the imperfection despite being very close to perfection.

it's teetering on the edge of working

Suggests instability, as though it could tip either way to work or fail.

it's within reach

Conveys a sense of possibility and ease in achieving a goal.

it's inches away from completion

Implies only a small amount of effort is needed for finalization.

FAQs

How can I use "it almost works" in a sentence?

You can use "it almost works" to describe something that is close to being successful or functional but still has some issues. For instance: "The prototype is promising, but "it almost works"; we need to fix a few bugs."

What are some alternatives to saying "it almost works"?

Alternatives include "it's nearly functional", "it's practically effective", or "it's almost there", depending on the context.

Is "it almost works" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it almost works" is grammatically correct. The adverb "almost" correctly modifies the verb "works".

What does "it almost works" imply?

"It almost works" implies that something is close to functioning or being successful, but there are still some issues preventing it from fully achieving its intended purpose. It suggests potential with current limitations.