it works as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it works as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the function or role of something in a specific context. Example: "In this experiment, the catalyst it works as a speed enhancer for the chemical reaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Here it works as yet another piece of innovative scoring.

The Guardian - Books

It works as much for you as against you".

The New Yorker

It works as often as it doesn't.

Forbes

Hopefully it works as well as it sounds.

TechCrunch

Without that, I'm not sure it works as well.

Huffington Post

It's freedom, and it works as well as you do.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

It worked as advertised.

The New York Times

It worked as intended.

The New York Times

It worked, as well".

The Guardian

Does it work as well in banking?

The New York Times

"Does it work as well as the measles vaccine?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it works as" when you want to clearly and simply describe the function or role of something. It's suitable for a wide range of contexts, from technical descriptions to everyday explanations.

Common error

Avoid relying excessively on passive constructions when using "it works as". Ensure that the subject performing the action is clear to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, prefer "The software works as a filter" over "It is as a filter that the software works."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it works as" primarily functions as a linking phrase to define the role, purpose, or function of a subject. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable, serving to connect the subject with its operational capacity. For example, 'It works as a filter'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it works as" is a versatile phrase used to describe the function, role, or purpose of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news, science, and formal business domains. While it maintains a generally neutral tone, there are more formal alternatives, such as "it functions as", that might be preferred in academic or professional settings. Remembering to keep the subject clear and avoid overusing passive voice will result in clearer and more effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it functions as

Replaces "works" with "functions", emphasizing the operational aspect.

it serves as

Substitutes "works" with "serves", highlighting its role or purpose.

it operates as

Emphasizes the mechanism or process by which something works.

it acts as

Highlights the action or behavior it performs.

it is effective as

Focuses on its efficacy or successful performance.

it proves useful as

Indicates that its utility has been demonstrated.

it holds value as

Highlights its importance or worth in a specific context.

it is designed to be used as

Focuses on the intended function or purpose from a design perspective.

it has a role as

Emphasizes the part it plays within a system or scenario.

it's purpose is to work as

Focuses directly on the intended goal or function.

FAQs

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

Use "it works as" to describe the function or role of something. For example, "This application "it works as" a data filter" explains the application's function.

What are some alternatives to "it works as"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it functions as", "it serves as", or "it acts as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it works as" formal or informal?

"It works as" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it functions as" might be preferred in academic or professional settings.

How does "it works as" compare to "it works like"?

"It works as" describes the role or function, while "it works like" describes the manner or method of operation. For example, "it works as a shield" describes its role, while "it works like a charm" describes how effectively it operates. Be careful to not confuse it with "it worked as", which is the past tense.