it should work

USAGE SUMMARY

"it should work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a feeling of optimism or to express the idea that a plan or idea should succeed. For example: "Let's try this plan; it should work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It should work out its program and then get it financed".

Los Angeles Times

It should work now.

The Economist

"Finally, it should work".

The New York Times

It should work out fine.

The New York Times

"That's how it should work.

The New York Times

In theory it should work.

The New York Times

It should work both ways".

The Guardian

Isn't that how it should work anyway?

The New York Times - Magazine

So here is how it should work.

The Guardian - Sport

That's the way it should work.

The New York Times - Arts

It shouldn't look good, it should work.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it should work" when expressing optimism about a plan or device, but avoid overusing it; consider alternatives like "it is likely to succeed" for variety.

Common error

Avoid using "it should work" as a guarantee of success. It expresses an expectation, not a certainty. Acknowledge potential risks or limitations, especially in technical or complex contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it should work" functions as an expression of expectation or prediction, suggesting a reasonable belief that something will function as intended. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it should work" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for expressing the expectation that something will function as intended. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across a variety of contexts. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media, as well as science-related content. When using this phrase, remember that it conveys an expectation or likelihood, not a guarantee. Consider using alternatives like "it is likely to succeed" for added nuance or variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it ought to function

Replaces "should" with "ought to", indicating a slightly stronger expectation of functionality.

it is supposed to work

Indicates a general expectation or plan for the item to function correctly.

it is meant to work

Highlights the designed purpose of the subject to function correctly.

it is expected to work

Rephrases the expectation more explicitly, emphasizing the anticipation of successful operation.

it is likely to succeed

Shifts the focus from working to succeeding, implying a broader positive outcome.

it is anticipated to function

Similar to "it is expected to work", but uses "anticipated" for a slightly more formal tone.

it is intended to operate

Focuses on the intended purpose and operational capability.

it is designed to operate

Highlights the intended operational capability based on design.

it is projected to function

Emphasizes a projection or forecast of functionality, often based on data or analysis.

it promises to work

Emphasizes the potential and expectation for successful operation.

FAQs

How can I use "it should work" in a sentence?

You can use "it should work" to express optimism or expectation about a plan, device, or method. For example: "If we follow these steps carefully, "it should work"".

What are some alternatives to "it should work"?

Alternatives include "it ought to function", "it is expected to work", or "it is likely to succeed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it should work" or "it will work"?

"It should work" expresses an expectation or probability, while "it will work" implies a higher degree of certainty. Use "it should work" when you are reasonably confident but not entirely sure, and "it will work" when you have strong evidence or guarantees.

What does "it is supposed to work" mean, and how does it differ from "it should work"?

"It is supposed to work" suggests something is designed or intended to function, whereas "it should work" implies a judgment or expectation based on current circumstances. They are similar, but "it is supposed to work" focuses more on design, while "it should work" emphasizes expectation.