maybe this works

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maybe this works" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting a possible solution or approach that may be effective, but you are uncertain about its success. Example: "I tried adjusting the settings on the device; maybe this works to improve its performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Maybe this works for Starbucks.

The New York Times - Tech

And maybe this works both ways.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I didn't get anything for my father that day, so maybe this works!" And then the acceptance speech.

The Guardian - Sport

With that in mind, maybe this works both ways – maybe some people just don't have that biological inclination or it is inhibited by educationin conservatives countries.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Maybe this work stoppage will benefit the Redskins," Starke said, laughing.

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe this work is about coming to a crossroads with no idea of which way to go.

The New York Times

"She should just get a babysitter so she can stay later at work," someone would say, not realizing that maybe this working mom actually wanted to see her children before they went to bed at 7 p.m. Or that it cost money to hire child care and disposable income wasn't as easy to come by once the kids came along.

Huffington Post

Maybe, this work is more suitable for publishing in journals like BMC.

Biology Direct

Call me (maybe)." This works for guys who can't take a hint.

WikiHow

Maybe this really works.

Los Angeles Times

I was wondering what went into them, and how your collaboration with Colin Good worked? A. Well, we discussed which songs we thought might work, then we'd play them for the band and say, "Maybe this could work," and then perhaps change the mood, or change the tempo.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maybe this works", clearly state what "this" refers to in the context to avoid ambiguity. For example, "I adjusted the settings; maybe this works to improve performance."

Common error

Avoid relying on "maybe this works" as a substitute for thorough planning or analysis. While it's useful for suggesting tentative solutions, it shouldn't replace careful consideration of alternatives or potential consequences.

Linguistic Context

Maybe this works functions as a tentative suggestion or a hopeful expression of a potential solution. It indicates uncertainty and is often used when proposing an action without full confidence in its success. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts to express uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maybe this works" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a tentative suggestion with uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Though relatively rare, it appears across diverse sources, including news, science, and wiki platforms, indicating a neutral register. To enhance clarity, ensure "this" is clearly defined within the context. While useful for proposing potential solutions, it should not be a substitute for thorough analysis. Consider alternatives like "perhaps this is effective" or "this might be a solution" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perhaps this is effective

Replaces "maybe" with "perhaps", indicating a slightly more formal tone but retaining the sense of uncertainty.

this might be a solution

Shifts the focus to the potential for a solution, suggesting a slightly more proactive approach.

it's possible this could succeed

Emphasizes the possibility of success, adding a layer of optimism.

this could potentially work

Adds "potentially" to reinforce the uncertainty and possibility of the action being effective.

this may actually be feasible

Uses "may" and "feasible" to highlight the practicality and potential for success.

it's conceivable this will do the trick

Introduces a more idiomatic expression, suggesting a simple or effective solution.

conceivably, this could be the answer

Rearranges the sentence structure, placing emphasis on finding an answer.

this is worth a try, possibly

Highlights the action of trying something, adding "possibly" to denote the uncertainty.

we could give this a shot

Uses a more informal tone and suggests a trial attempt.

let's see if this is going to work

Expresses a desire to test the effectiveness of the suggestion.

FAQs

How can I use "maybe this works" in a sentence?

Use "maybe this works" to suggest a possible solution or approach when you're uncertain about its success. For example: "I tried restarting the computer; "maybe this works" now".

What's a more formal way to say "maybe this works"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "perhaps this is effective" or "this might be a solution".

Is it grammatically correct to say "maybe this works"?

Yes, "maybe this works" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express uncertainty about the effectiveness of a suggestion or action. Ludwig AI confirms this.

What does "maybe this works" imply?

"Maybe this works" implies a tentative suggestion or a hopeful but uncertain expectation that something will be effective. It suggests a lack of complete confidence in the outcome.