it certainly worked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it certainly worked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something was effective or successful in achieving its intended result. Example: "After implementing the new marketing strategy, it certainly worked, as we saw a significant increase in sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

It certainly worked for Christie's.

The New York Times - Arts

It certainly worked on her boyfriend.

The New York Times

It certainly worked for Martin Johnson.

The Guardian - Sport

It certainly worked then, and it is working for Evans.

The New York Times

And it certainly worked to the family's advantage".

The New York Times - Arts

It certainly worked with Joe Root going up to No3.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

It certainly works.

The New York Times - Arts

It certainly works for me to have a physical commitment.

The Guardian - Music

Gail: Really gloomy for your side, but it certainly works for me.

The New York Times

It worked for me, and it certainly works for the planet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I had a little puff before, sure," Mr Buchanan replies.Whatever he is smoking, it certainly works.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to. Ambiguity can weaken the statement's impact.

Common error

While "it certainly worked" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced alternatives like "it proved highly effective" or "it yielded significant results" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it certainly worked" functions as a concise statement of affirmation, indicating that a particular action or method was successful. As Ludwig AI explains, it conveys that something was effective in achieving its intended result.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it certainly worked" is a commonly used phrase to express that something was successful or effective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, although it is more frequently found in news and media. While versatile, remember that more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or highly professional settings. The phrase succinctly conveys affirmation and satisfaction with a positive outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it definitely succeeded

This alternative emphasizes the success aspect more directly.

it proved effective

This phrase highlights the effectiveness of something.

it was undeniably successful

This alternative stresses the unquestionable success of an action or plan.

it achieved the desired result

This alternative focuses on the attainment of a specific goal.

it bore fruit

This phrase is more figurative, suggesting that efforts led to a positive outcome.

it paid off handsomely

This alternative indicates that the success was particularly rewarding.

it delivered the goods

This option is more informal, suggesting that something met expectations.

it came up trumps

This alternative is a more British idiom implying the success exceeded expectations.

it hit the mark

This suggests that something precisely achieved its intended purpose.

it aced it

This option is very informal, indicating a high level of success, particularly in a test or challenge.

FAQs

What does "it certainly worked" mean?

The phrase "it certainly worked" means that something was successful or effective in achieving its intended purpose. It expresses confirmation that a particular action, plan, or method yielded the expected positive outcome.

What can I say instead of "it certainly worked"?

You can use alternatives like "it definitely succeeded", "it proved effective", or "it was undeniably successful" depending on the context and level of formality.

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

You can use "it certainly worked" in a sentence to confirm the success of a previous action or plan. For example, "We implemented the new marketing strategy, and "it certainly worked"; sales increased significantly."

Is "it certainly worked" suitable for formal writing?

While "it certainly worked" is generally acceptable, it may be more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In highly formal or academic writing, consider using more precise and nuanced alternatives like "it proved highly effective".