it proved unworkable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it proved unworkable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, plan, or idea that has been tested and found to be ineffective or impractical. Example: "After several attempts to implement the new software, it proved unworkable, leading us to seek alternative solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The previous Tour organiser Jean-Marie Leblanc contemplated bringing in a system of this kind in 1999, the year after Festina, but it proved unworkable because he did not have control over who entered the race.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

An early idea of theirs, which involved printing product information in fluorescent ink and reading it with ultraviolet light, proved unworkable.

The New York Times

The contract proved unworkable because it was too complex, not least because its scope had never been properly defined and there were countless disputes over what precisely should be done.

The Guardian - Opinion

But after weeks of criticism from gun owners, Mr. Cuomo said on Wednesday that he would seek to ease the restriction, which he said had proved unworkable even before it was scheduled to take effect on April 15.

The New York Times

It is notable that the latter indicator proved unworkable for many doctors and was recommended for removal from the scheme by the Quality and Outcomes Framework advisory committee of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in 2011.

British Medical Journal

But without such a requirement, people could wait until they got sick and then buy coverage — a situation that has proved unworkable in states that have tried it.

The New York Times - Health

The reunited empire of Charles the Fat (reigned 884 888) proved unworkable: the Viking onslaught was then at its worst, and the king proved incapable of managing defenses, which fell naturally to the regional magnates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That 1986 ruling has not only proved "unworkable," Justice Antonin Scalia wrote for the majority, but its "marginal benefits are dwarfed by its substantial costs" in that some guilty defendants go free.

The New York Times

This proved unworkable.

The Economist

Unfortunately the pact proved unworkable.

The Economist

These distinctions, however, proved unworkable in a time of industrial growth and expanding national markets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it proved unworkable" to succinctly describe situations where a plan or system, despite initial promise, failed in practice. This phrase is suitable for formal and informal contexts where clarity and brevity are valued.

Common error

While effective, relying too heavily on "it proved unworkable" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "it turned out to be impractical" or "it failed to deliver" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it proved unworkable" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that a particular method, plan, or system has been tried and found to be ineffective. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable. The examples show how it's used to describe failed strategies, regulations, and agreements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it proved unworkable" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that a plan, system, or method did not succeed in practice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable and effective phrase. Predominantly found in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, this phrase carries a neutral tone and is suitable for professional communication. When writing, it's essential to vary your language by using alternatives like "it turned out to be impractical" or "it failed to deliver" to avoid repetition. The phrase succinctly conveys that something was attempted and subsequently deemed ineffective, which makes it a powerful tool for clear and concise writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it turned out to be impractical

Focuses on the impracticality discovered after attempting something.

it was found to be unfeasible

Highlights the unfeasibility that was determined.

it was not viable

Highlights that the approach was not sustainable or workable.

it failed to deliver

Emphasizes the failure in achieving the expected results.

it proved to be a dead end

Indicates that the effort led to no positive outcome.

it didn't pan out

An informal way of saying something didn't succeed.

it didn't come to fruition

Focuses on the lack of a successful outcome or completion.

it backfired

Indicates that the action had an adverse or opposite effect.

it was doomed to failure

Suggests the failure was inevitable from the start.

it was an exercise in futility

Emphasizes the uselessness of the endeavor.

FAQs

How can I use "it proved unworkable" in a sentence?

You can use "it proved unworkable" to describe a plan, system, or method that, after being tried, did not work in practice. For example, "The initial strategy for marketing the product "it proved unworkable", requiring a complete overhaul".

What are some alternatives to "it proved unworkable"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it turned out to be impractical", "it was found to be unfeasible", or "it didn't pan out", depending on the desired tone and context.

Is it more appropriate to say "it proved unworkable" or "it was unworkable"?

"It proved unworkable" implies that something was tested or tried and then found to be unworkable. "It was unworkable" simply states that something is not capable of being worked or used. The former suggests a process of discovery, while the latter is a statement of inherent quality.

What makes "it proved unworkable" a strong choice of words?

The phrase "it proved unworkable" succinctly conveys that a specific approach or method was attempted and subsequently found to be ineffective. It's direct and clearly communicates the failure in a professional manner.