it basically works

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it basically works" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something functions adequately or meets the necessary requirements, albeit perhaps not perfectly. Example: "The new software has some bugs, but it basically works for our needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It basically works as an iterative algorithm for approximating rotation of a two-dimensional vector using only shift and add operations.

Digital Signal Processing

The current model varies from state to state, but here's how it basically works: If you get arrested for, say, shoplifting an expensive piece of jewelry, the judge will probably allow you to go free if you put up a certain amount of money as a guarantee that you'll show up for trial.

The New York Times

It basically works by matching the patterns in it's syntax.

Journal of Big Data

Here is how it basically works for most people.

Forbes

It basically works like a YouTube for supply chains.

Forbes

It basically works as a file transfer device.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

And yet perhaps the best part is that it basically worked.

The Guardian - Sport

"It basically worked out to be one big giveaway," said Robert Willens, a tax and accounting authority in New York.

The New York Times

The mechanism was imperfect, and many producers felt it constrained them, but it basically worked to ensure stability in oil markets.

The New York Times

"It basically worked exactly as everyone expected — when things got bad, the government came to the rescue," said a second former high-ranking Freddie Mac executive.

The New York Times

While the original Cola Messenger user wasn't notified when the new location was added, the map did update -- so it basically worked as promised.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "it basically works" with specific details about the context to provide a clearer understanding of what aspects are functional. For example, instead of saying just "the software basically works", specify "the software basically works for data entry, but the reporting features need improvement".

Common error

Avoid using "it basically works" when describing something that is severely flawed or non-functional. This phrase implies a reasonable level of usability, so ensure it aligns with the actual condition of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it basically works" functions as a statement indicating that something is operational and serves its intended purpose, even if not perfectly. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it basically works" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to convey that something is functional and achieves its primary purpose, albeit with potential limitations. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English, making it suitable for a range of contexts from casual conversation to technical discussions. The phrase is primarily used in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, as evidenced by the analyzed data. When using this phrase, ensure that the level of functionality aligns with the description, avoiding overstatements. Alternatives such as "it essentially functions" or "it largely operates" can be used for nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it essentially functions

Replaces "basically" with "essentially", emphasizing the core function.

it largely operates

Uses "largely" instead of "basically", suggesting that it works for the most part.

it primarily functions

Replaces "basically" with "primarily", indicating the main function is working.

it effectively operates

Uses "effectively" to highlight the successful operation of something.

it practically operates

Uses "practically" to emphasize that it is operational with limited issues.

it generally functions

Replaces "basically" with "generally", suggesting that it works most of the time.

it mainly operates

Uses "mainly" instead of "basically", suggesting the principal function works.

it almost works

Indicates near functionality, implying a small degree of imperfection.

it more or less operates

Emphasizes an approximation of complete functionality.

it is functional in essence

It uses a different word ordering for emphasizing its core functions.

FAQs

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

Use "it basically works" to indicate that something functions adequately, though perhaps not perfectly. For example, "The prototype is rough, but "it basically works" for demonstration purposes".

What are some alternatives to "it basically works"?

Alternatives include "it essentially functions", "it largely operates", or "it primarily functions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it basically works"?

Yes, "it basically works" is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English syntax, with "it" as the subject, "basically" as an adverb modifying the verb, and "works" as the verb.

In what contexts is "it basically works" most appropriate?

"It basically works" is most appropriate in informal or neutral contexts where you want to communicate that something is functional enough to serve its purpose, even if it has limitations or imperfections. It can also be used in "news and media".