it will not work

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "It will not work" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts to express that something will not have the desired effect. For example, "I tried to reset the router, but it will not work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It will not work now.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, it will not work.

The Economist

And if ratified, it will not work".

The Economist

It will not work today.

The Guardian - Opinion

Well, it will not work.

The Guardian

It will not work, of course.

The Guardian

"Children would be terrified, and it will not work".

The New Yorker

It will not work as neatly as that.

Independent

It will not work on plastics or plastic laminates.

The New York Times

Some predict flatly that it will not work.

The Washington Post

It will not work – and here is why.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it will not work" to directly express that a plan, method, or object will fail to achieve its intended purpose. Be clear about what "it" refers to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it will not work" repeatedly without specifying what "it" refers to. Ensure the subject is clear to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will not work" functions as a declarative statement expressing a negative prediction. It asserts that a particular action, plan, or object is destined to fail or be ineffective, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

25%

News & Media

45%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it will not work" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a belief that something is destined to fail. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various sources. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity regarding what "it" refers to. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "it is ineffective". The phrase finds frequent use in News & Media and Wiki content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's bound to fail

Replaces the direct statement with an expression of inevitability.

it's not going to succeed

Substitutes "work" with "succeed", focusing on the lack of positive outcome.

it's destined to fail

Similar to "bound to fail", this highlights the predetermination of failure.

it is ineffective

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adjective describing the lack of effect.

it's a lost cause

Emphasizes the hopelessness of the situation.

it's futile

A more concise way of saying something is pointless and won't achieve the desired result.

it's not feasible

Focuses on the impracticality and unachievability of the plan or idea.

it won't pan out

An idiomatic expression meaning something will not turn out as expected or desired.

it's a non-starter

Highlights the lack of viability from the very beginning.

it's doomed

Implies an inevitable and negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it will not work" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "it is ineffective", "it is not feasible", or "it is unlikely to succeed".

What's the difference between "it will not work" and "it might not work"?

"It will not work" expresses a higher degree of certainty about failure. "It might not work" suggests a possibility of failure, but not a guarantee. The choice depends on the level of confidence in your assessment.

Is "it won't work" the same as "it will not work"?

Yes, "it won't work" is a contraction of "it will not work" and carries the same meaning. The contracted form is generally more informal.

When is it appropriate to use "it will not work"?

Use "it will not work" when you are confident that a particular approach, method, or device will fail to achieve its intended outcome. Be prepared to provide reasoning or evidence to support your assertion.