it has to work

USAGE SUMMARY

"it has to work" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express that something is necessary or required in order to achieve a desired result. For example: "I'm not sure how to fix the broken electronics, but it has to work before the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has to work with my aesthetic".

The New York Times

That's how it has to work".

The New York Times - Sports

First, it has to work every time.

The New York Times - Tech

It has to work".

The New York Times

It has to work integrally".

The Guardian

It has to work fast.

The Guardian

"It has to work really well.

The New York Times - Tech

It has to work ecologically, of course, but it has to work culturally, too".

The New York Times

And it has to work on a massive scale".

The New York Times

For me, it has to work both ways.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think it has to work itself out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone. "It has to work" can sound demanding. In collaborative settings, soften it with phrases like "it needs to work for everyone".

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "it has to work" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated language to convey necessity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has to work" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing necessity or obligation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It indicates that something is required or essential for a desired outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it has to work" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to convey necessity or a critical requirement for something to function correctly. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media sources, but also appears in scientific and formal business settings. When using the phrase, ensure clarity and consider the tone to maintain effectiveness. Alternatives like ""it needs to function"" or ""it must be functional"" can provide nuance, while avoiding overuse in highly formal writing will enhance its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it needs to function

Replaces "has to" with "needs to", emphasizing the requirement for functionality.

it must be functional

Uses "must be" instead of "has to", indicating a strong requirement for being in working order.

it is required to operate

More formal alternative using "is required", suitable for technical or business contexts.

it is essential that it functions

Emphasizes the importance of the functionality using "essential".

it's imperative for it to work

Uses "imperative" to highlight the critical necessity of the item functioning.

it should be working

Indicates an expected state of functionality, using "should be".

it is necessary for it to work

Replaces "has to" with "is necessary", emphasizing the requirement for success.

it's vital that it functions

Highlights the critical importance of its functionality using "vital".

it is crucial for operation

Focuses on the operation and its cruciality. Differs from the QUERY by focusing on 'operation' instead of overall 'work'.

it has got to function

Informal version of the original phrase, using "has got to" instead of "has to".

FAQs

How can I use "it has to work" in a sentence?

You can use "it has to work" to express a requirement or necessity. For example, "The new software is expensive, so "it has to work" perfectly".

What are some alternatives to "it has to work"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "it needs to function", "it must be functional", or "it is required to operate".

Which is correct, "it has to work" or "it must work"?

Both "it has to work" and "it must work" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to express. "It must work" may sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "it has to work" and "it should work"?

"It has to work" expresses a necessity or requirement, while "it should work" expresses an expectation or hope. The first indicates a condition that must be met, whereas the second suggests an anticipated outcome.