it working like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it working like" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be an attempt to describe how something functions or operates, but it lacks grammatical structure. Example: "I expected it working like a charm, but it failed to perform."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

However, it worked like a charm.

The New York Times

And it worked like a charm.

The Economist

It worked like a charm.

The New York Times - Arts

And it worked like magic.

The Guardian - Opinion

It works like a breeze.

The New Yorker

But it worked like a charm.

The New York Times

"It works like a very good documentary.

The Guardian

You see, it works like this..

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "it working like" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives such as "it works like", "it functions like", or "it operates like".

Common error

A common mistake is using the continuous tense ("working") when a simple present tense ("works") is required. Always ensure the verb tense agrees with the intended meaning of describing a general function.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it working like" attempts to describe the manner in which something functions or operates. Due to its grammatical incorrectness, it cannot perform this function effectively in standard English. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase "it working like" is not correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it working like" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's not standard English. While the intention is to describe functionality or operation, it fails to do so effectively. Instead, opt for grammatically sound alternatives like "it works like", "it functions like", or "it operates like" to ensure clarity and correctness. Different phrases have different intended meanings. This will help maintain a professional and clear tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it functions similarly to

Replaces the continuous tense with a more formal verb and adds "similarly to" to emphasize the resemblance.

it operates in the same way as

Substitutes "working" with "operates" and uses "in the same way as" for a more descriptive comparison.

it behaves like

Uses "behaves" to focus on the manner of functioning, offering a slightly different nuance.

it's designed to work like

Specifies the intended functionality, adding a design aspect to the comparison.

it is similar in function to

Highlights the functional similarity using a more structured sentence.

it mimics the operation of

Emphasizes the imitation of another operation, suggesting a deliberate resemblance.

it shares characteristics with

Focuses on shared traits rather than direct functionality, broadening the comparison.

it has the same effect as

Shifts the focus to the outcome or result, rather than the process.

it runs like

Uses "runs" to imply a process or execution, maintaining a simple comparison.

it's akin to

Offers a more concise and metaphorical comparison, suggesting a likeness or affinity.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say something functions similarly?

Instead of "it working like", use "it works like", "it functions like", or "it operates like" to ensure grammatical correctness.

How can I describe something's functionality more formally?

For a more formal tone, consider phrases such as "it functions similarly to", "it operates in the same way as", or "it is similar in function to" instead of "it working like".

Is "it working like" ever appropriate in writing?

The phrase "it working like" is generally inappropriate in formal writing. While it might appear in very informal contexts, it is better to choose a grammatically correct alternative. For example "it works like".

What can I say instead of "it working like" to describe a process?

You can use phrases like "it runs like", "it behaves like", or "it operates like" depending on the context.