it wasn't working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it wasn't working" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was not functioning or effective in a past context. Example: "I tried to fix the printer, but it wasn't working, so I called a technician for help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It wasn't working out.

The New York Times - Sports

Moreover, it wasn't working.

The New York Times

It wasn't working.

The New York Times - Sports

But it wasn't working.

The New Yorker

"It wasn't working at all".

The New York Times - Books

Or it wasn't working.

The New York Times

It wasn't working, either".

The New Yorker

"It wasn't working," Mr. Lepage said.

The New York Times

That's why it wasn't working.

The Guardian - Film

Although it wasn't working perfectly.

The Guardian

"It wasn't working with electrodes," Zadrozny mumbled.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system failure, use "it wasn't working" to clearly indicate that the expected function was not occurring. Be specific about what "it" refers to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it wasn't working" without specifying what "it" refers to. This can lead to confusion and ambiguity in your writing. Always provide context to ensure the reader understands what is not functioning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it wasn't working" functions as a clause expressing a state of ineffectiveness or malfunction. As Ludwig AI also states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, indicating that something failed to perform its intended function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it wasn't working" is a common and grammatically sound way to express ineffectiveness or malfunction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific writing. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to. Consider alternatives like "it wasn't effective" or "it didn't function properly" for nuanced expression. The phrase, while versatile, benefits from contextual clarity to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it wasn't effective

Replaces "working" with "effective", focusing on the lack of desired outcome.

it didn't function properly

Substitutes "working" with a more technical description of a malfunction.

it proved unsuccessful

Indicates failure in achieving a specific goal or result.

it failed to produce results

Emphasizes the lack of tangible outcomes or achievements.

it was ineffectual

Uses a more formal term to describe the lack of impact or influence.

it didn't pan out

An informal way to express that something didn't go as planned or expected.

it was no use

Indicates that the effort or attempt was futile or pointless.

it was a failure

A direct statement indicating that something did not succeed.

it came to nothing

Expresses that the effort resulted in no significant or positive outcome.

it didn't deliver

Suggests that something did not meet the expectations or promises.

FAQs

What does "it wasn't working" mean?

The phrase "it wasn't working" indicates that something was not functioning as intended or was ineffective. It implies a failure to achieve the desired outcome or perform its expected function.

How can I use "it wasn't working" in a sentence?

You can use "it wasn't working" to describe the failure of a device, a plan, a relationship, or any other situation where something is not producing the desired result. For example, "I tried to fix the car, but "it wasn't working"".

What can I say instead of "it wasn't working"?

You can use alternatives like "it wasn't effective", "it didn't function properly", or "it proved unsuccessful" depending on the context.

Is "it wasn't working" formal or informal?

"It wasn't working" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it was ineffectual" may be preferred in highly formal writing.