it does not work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it does not work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is malfunctioning or not functioning as intended. Example: "I tried to start the machine, but it does not work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It does not work its way from the top down.

Forbes

It does not work on gray hair.

The New York Times

It does not work with iPhones.

The New York Times - Tech

It does not work on weekends, either.

The New York Times

But it does not work that way.

The New York Times - Science

"It does not work for me".

The New York Times

Too often, it does not work.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet researchers find it does not work.

The New York Times

But it does not work for everyone.

The New York Times

"It does not work without the visa.

The New Yorker

It does not work with moving images.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "it does not work" with a more specific phrase that explains why something is not working, such as "it lacks sufficient power".

Common error

Avoid using "it does not work" without providing context or reasons. Instead of simply stating the failure, explain why it's not working or what the consequences are to provide more informative and helpful feedback. For example, specify if "the program does not work" due to compatibility issues or if "the medicine does not work" because the illness is resistant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it does not work" functions primarily as a statement of failure or lack of functionality. It's used to express that something is not operating as intended or is unable to achieve its purpose, as exemplified by the Ludwig examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it does not work" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express that something is malfunctioning or ineffective. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears across a wide spectrum of contexts, from news articles to scientific publications. While its straightforwardness makes it universally applicable, remember to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity and offer more specific explanations when possible. Alternative phrases like "it is ineffective" or "it fails to function" can offer subtle nuances depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is ineffective

Emphasizes the lack of desired outcome or impact.

it isn't functioning

Focuses on the operational status of something.

it's not operating

Similar to 'functioning' but implies a more mechanical or systematic process.

it fails to function

More formal way of saying something is not working.

it's out of order

Often used for equipment or systems that are temporarily not working.

it has no effect

Highlights the absence of an intended consequence.

it yields no results

Implies an absence of positive outcomes after effort or application.

it is not successful

Focuses on the lack of achievement or accomplishment.

it proves futile

Indicates that something is ultimately pointless or without value.

it's all for naught

Suggests that efforts were wasted because of the failure.

FAQs

What does "it does not work" mean?

The phrase "it does not work" means that something is not functioning correctly or is failing to achieve its intended purpose. It's a straightforward way of expressing that something is broken, ineffective, or unsuccessful.

How can I use "it does not work" in a sentence?

You can use "it does not work" in a variety of contexts. For instance, you might say, "I tried to start the car, but "it does not work"", or "This solution sounds great in theory but "it does not work" in practice."

What are some alternatives to "it does not work"?

Instead of saying "it does not work", you could use phrases like "it is ineffective", "it isn't functioning", or "it fails to function" depending on the context. These alternatives provide a similar meaning but may add more nuance to your statement.

When is it appropriate to use "it does not work" versus "it is not working"?

The phrase "it does not work" generally refers to a state of being, implying a more permanent or inherent failure. "It is not working" suggests a temporary condition or ongoing issue. For example, "The old computer just does not work anymore" implies it's permanently broken, while "The internet is not working right now" indicates a temporary problem.