it work like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it work like" is not correct in English.
The correct form should be "it works like." You can use it when comparing the function or behavior of one thing to another. Example: "This new software is impressive; it works like a charm."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Can it work like that with guns?

The Washington Post

Does it work like the Dalai Lama?

The Guardian

The model, developed before the company recalled defective blades for its older processors, has other advancements: dual speeds, an additional smaller bowl and blade to make it work like a minichop, an adjustable slicing disc and reversible shredder.

The New York Times - Food

Sure, you might not set up an iPhone more than once every couple of years – but having it work like this (new since last year, because iCloud backups were only introduced with the 4S) is a definite plus.

The Guardian - Tech

How does it work: Like any other alarm clock on your smartphone – but instead you choose the charity you wish to donate to, the length and interval time of your snooze, and the amount you wish to give.

The Guardian

You expect to buy a 3D printer for an office and have it work like your Xerox copier.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It works like that.

Cornell University

It works like Messenger.

Harvard Business Review

It works like WiFi.

The New York Times

It worked like clockwork".

The Guardian - Money

It works like a universal college application.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct grammatical form, which is "it works like", when comparing the functionality of something. For example: "This app works like a charm".

Common error

The most common error is using the base form of the verb "work" instead of the third-person singular form "works" with the pronoun "it". Always remember that "it" requires "works".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it work like" is intended to describe the functionality or operation of something by comparing it to something else. It's typically used to provide a simple explanation of how something functions. Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it work like" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "it works like". According to Ludwig AI, this error arises from subject-verb disagreement. While the phrase appears in various sources, including news articles and wikis, it's essential to use the grammatically correct form, particularly in formal writing. For clarity, alternative phrases such as "it functions like" or "it operates like" offer more precise and grammatically sound options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it functions similarly to

Replaces the verb "work" with "functions" and adds "similarly to" for clearer comparison.

it operates in the same manner as

Uses "operates" instead of "work" and "in the same manner as" for a more formal tone.

it is designed to function like

Emphasizes the intended design and functionality, using "designed to function like".

it mimics the behavior of

Focuses on imitation of behavior, replacing "work" with "mimics the behavior of".

it mirrors the process of

Highlights the mirroring of a process, substituting "work" with "mirrors the process of".

it is akin to

Uses a simple comparison with "akin to" instead of describing how something works.

it's comparable to

Offers a general comparison using "comparable to", which is less specific than describing the functionality.

it has the same effect as

Focuses on the outcome or effect, rather than the process of how something works.

it shares characteristics with

Indicates shared traits without specifying the working mechanism.

it resembles

Provides a basic similarity without detailing functionality.

FAQs

How do I correct the phrase "it work like"?

The correct phrase is "it works like". The verb 'work' needs to agree with the singular subject 'it'.

What does "it works like" mean?

The phrase "it works like" is used to describe how something functions or operates, often by comparing it to something else familiar. For example, "This new system works like a well-oiled machine".

What are some alternatives to "it works like"?

Alternatives include "it functions like", "it operates like", or "it is similar to". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "it work like" ever grammatically correct?

No, "it work like" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "it works like". The subject 'it' requires the third-person singular verb form 'works'.