it usually works

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it usually works" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is generally effective or successful in most cases. Example: "When I follow this method, it usually works to solve the problem quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It usually works, if the recipient is ignorant of its source.

The New York Times

And it usually works.

The Economist

It usually works.

The New York Times

That's not the way it usually works.

The New York Times

But that's not how it usually works.

Harvard University

That is how it usually works.

The New York Times - Sports

That's not how it usually works.

The Washington Post

But done well, it usually works.

The New York Times - Magazine

It usually works out that way.

The Guardian - Sport

And that is how it usually works out.

The New York Times

"But it usually works to trust gut instinct.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it usually works" to express that a method, strategy, or approach is generally effective, but not guaranteed to succeed in every instance.

Common error

Avoid using "it usually works" when describing something that has consistently failed or is known to be unreliable. Instead, consider using phrases that acknowledge the uncertainty or potential for failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it usually works" functions as a statement of probability or expectation. It suggests that a particular action, method, or approach generally produces the desired outcome, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it usually works" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate a high probability of success or effectiveness, as stated by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, it's important to avoid overstating its certainty and consider more formal alternatives in professional settings. The phrase finds frequent use in news and media, academia, and science, serving as a convenient way to communicate practical advice and convey a degree of confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it generally succeeds

Focuses more on the successful outcome or achievement of a desired result.

it's generally effective

Highlights the effectiveness of something in achieving a desired result.

it's mostly effective

Suggests effectiveness in the majority of instances.

it typically functions

Emphasizes the normal or expected operation of something.

it's largely successful

Implies success on a broad scale or in most important aspects.

it's commonly successful

Stresses the frequent achievement of success.

it tends to be effective

Indicates a inclination towards effectiveness, but with less certainty.

it regularly delivers

Highlights consistent and dependable results.

it's often the case

Highlights that the described situation or event happens often.

it frequently pays off

Focuses on the beneficial results or advantages that arise from something.

FAQs

What does "it usually works" mean?

The phrase "it usually works" suggests that something is generally effective or successful, but not always. It implies a high probability of success based on past experience.

What can I say instead of "it usually works"?

You can use alternatives like "it generally succeeds", "it typically functions", or "it's generally effective" depending on the context.

Is "it usually works" formal or informal?

The phrase "it usually works" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly professional settings.

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

Here's an example: "Applying this cleaning method to remove ink stains from cotton usually works, but nail-polish remover can also be helpful".