it works best

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it works best" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when providing advice or instructions to readers, explaining which of two or more options is the most effective. For example, "If your phone is running low on battery, it works best if you plug it in and let it charge for at least a few hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First, each method has its own characteristics under what conditions it works best.

Biology Direct

It works best with the pizza calzone.

The New York Times

Here it works best in Richard II.

The Guardian

"It works best if I'm authentic".

The Guardian

It works best on dark country roads.

The New York Times

SANDISON I think it works best in a solitary setting.

The New York Times - Arts

John says it works best with cabbage water.

Independent

Gtox claims it works best taken before sleeping.

Independent

Typically, however, it works best in controlled environments.

The New York Times

It works best when the man is well within sight.

The New York Times - Books

It works best when rooted in local communities.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it works best", ensure the context clearly defines what 'it' refers to. Ambiguity can reduce the effectiveness of your advice.

Common error

Avoid using "it works best" without a clear antecedent for "it". Always specify what you are referring to, such as "This method works best" or "The software works best".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it works best" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the optimal way or condition for something to operate effectively. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it works best" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey optimal methods or conditions. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. When using "it works best", ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to and consider more formal alternatives for academic or professional settings. Keep in mind that you are offering advice when you are suggesting that something works best.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it yields the best results

Stresses the outcome or product of the action.

it is most effective

Emphasizes effectiveness rather than optimization.

it is the optimal solution

Highlights the idea of being the best possible solution.

it is most suitable

Focuses on appropriateness rather than pure effectiveness.

it is the preferred method

Focuses on preference or recommended practice.

the best approach is

Puts emphasis on the method to be taken.

it is most advantageous

Highlights which method is the most beneficial.

it is ideally suited

Highlights perfect matching to specific needs.

it functions optimally

Emphasizes the idea of ideal functioning under certain conditions.

it performs optimally

Highlights the best level of performance achieved.

FAQs

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

Use "it works best" when you want to suggest the most effective way to do something, for example, "For this recipe, "it works best" if you use fresh ingredients".

What's a synonym for "it works best"?

Alternatives include "it is most effective", "it is most suitable", or "it yields the best results" depending on the context.

Is "it works best" formal or informal?

"It works best" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic writing.

When is it appropriate to use "it works best"?

Use "it works best" when you want to indicate the optimal method, condition, or approach for achieving a desired outcome. Make sure that the "it" has a clear reference.