it certainly works

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "it certainly works" is a grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about something that has been achieved, or when emphasizing a particular outcome. For example, "We tried a few different approaches, but it certainly works now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 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

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

The Economist

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It certainly works as adventure: Adam's tribulations are as well imagined as anything I've seen in the genre.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

It certainly worked for Martin Johnson.

The Guardian - Sport

It certainly worked for Christie's.

The New York Times - Arts

It certainly worked on her boyfriend.

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it certainly works" when you want to express confidence that a particular method, solution, or approach is effective. It's suitable for situations where you have observed positive results or have strong evidence of its success.

Common error

While "it certainly works" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. In such contexts, consider more precise and sophisticated alternatives like "it proves effective" or "it yields the desired outcome".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it certainly works" functions primarily as an affirmative statement, indicating that something is effective or successful. It serves to assert the efficacy of a particular action, method, or device. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it certainly works" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to affirm the effectiveness of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various writing contexts, though it may be less appropriate for highly formal or academic settings, where more precise alternatives might be preferred. Its prevalence in news and media demonstrates its broad applicability, while the availability of synonyms like "it definitely works" and "it effectively functions" provides flexibility in expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it definitely works

Changes 'certainly' to 'definitely', offering a slightly less formal tone while maintaining the same meaning.

it assuredly works

Replaces 'certainly' with 'assuredly', adding a stronger sense of confidence or conviction.

it demonstrably works

Substitutes 'certainly' with 'demonstrably', implying that the effectiveness can be proven or shown.

it effectively functions

Replaces 'works' with 'effectively functions', focusing on the operational aspect and its successful performance.

it successfully operates

Similar to 'effectively functions', this highlights the successful operation or running of something.

it gets the job done

An idiomatic alternative that means something is effective in achieving its intended purpose.

it proves effective

Shifts the focus to the proven effectiveness of something, often after a period of testing or use.

it yields results

Emphasizes that something produces positive outcomes or consequences.

it achieves the desired effect

Highlights that something accomplishes its intended or planned effect.

it delivers the goods

An informal idiom indicating that something fulfills its promise or expectations.

FAQs

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

You can use "it certainly works" to express confidence in the effectiveness of something. For example, "We tried a new marketing strategy, and "it certainly works"; sales have increased significantly."

What are some alternatives to "it certainly works"?

Some alternatives include "it definitely works", "it effectively functions", or "it proves effective", depending on the level of formality and specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it certainly works" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it certainly works" might be considered too informal for some highly formal or academic contexts. In such cases, opting for a more sophisticated phrase like "it proves effective" or "it yields results" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "it certainly works" and "it probably works"?

"It certainly works" expresses a higher degree of confidence and assurance compared to "it probably works". The former indicates a strong belief based on evidence or experience, while the latter suggests a possibility or likelihood but with less certainty.