not work as expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not work as expected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where something fails to perform or function in the anticipated manner. Example: "The software update did not work as expected, leading to several issues with the application."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The crucial point is that formulas put into wills to keep from redoing a will every couple of years may not work as expected.

The New York Times

Last week mission managers decided to postpone an engine firing planned for Wednesday after a pair of valves in the spacecraft's propulsion system did not work as expected.

The Guardian

That way, she said, people who use a phone infrequently or for emergencies only will not be surprised to find it does not work as expected.

The New York Times - Tech

The device was designed to measure the player's pulse rate by clipping on to a finger, but it was canned because, according to Iwata, "it did not work as expected".

The Guardian - Tech

Thus, the HA-initiated schemes may not work as expected.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

This may explain why some previous designs did not work as expected.

Acta Astronautica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

During Harvey, it didn't work as expected.

The New Yorker

Perhaps some new technology didn't work as expected.

Forbes

The site, frankly, didn't work as expected.

TechCrunch

But novel drugs proved hard to design, and sometimes they don't work as expected.

Science Magazine

Within a few years, however, it was clear that things wouldn't work as expected.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a failure or deviation from the norm, use "not work as expected" to maintain a neutral tone, especially in technical or professional contexts.

Common error

While "not work as expected" is widely understood, consider using more casual alternatives like "didn't go as planned" or "backfired" in informal settings to avoid sounding overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not work as expected" functions as a predicate within a sentence, typically describing the action or state of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, showing many examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

41%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science & Research

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not work as expected" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression for describing situations where the outcome does not align with initial expectations. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates it's most frequently found in news, scientific, and business contexts, carrying a neutral to professional tone. While interchangeable with alternatives like "fail to meet expectations" or "not go as planned", it is crucial to consider the context to ensure the chosen phrase aligns with the intended formality and nuance. Avoiding overuse in casual settings and being mindful of its technical implications will enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fail to meet expectations

Focuses on the discrepancy between the actual outcome and what was anticipated.

not go as planned

Emphasizes the deviation from a pre-arranged sequence or strategy.

not turn out as hoped

Highlights the disappointment associated with an unfavorable outcome.

not materialize as anticipated

Specifically addresses situations where expected developments did not occur.

fall short of desired results

Indicates a lack of success in achieving a specific objective.

not deliver the intended outcome

Highlights a failure in producing the anticipated effect or result.

prove ineffective

Focuses on the lack of effectiveness in achieving a specific goal.

not function correctly

Directly addresses malfunctions or failures in operational processes.

behave unexpectedly

Emphasizes the surprising or unforeseen nature of the outcome.

yield unforeseen consequences

Focuses on the unintended and often negative repercussions of an action.

FAQs

How can I use "not work as expected" in a sentence?

You can use "not work as expected" to describe situations where an outcome deviates from what was anticipated. For example: "The new feature did "not work as expected", causing errors for users."

What can I say instead of "not work as expected"?

Alternatives include "fail to meet expectations", "not go as planned", or "not turn out as hoped" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "not work as expected" or "didn't work as expected"?

Both are correct, but "didn't work as expected" is more informal. Use "not work as expected" in formal or technical writing and "didn't work as expected" in more casual communication.

What's the difference between "not work as expected" and "not work as intended"?

"Not work as expected" implies a deviation from a general anticipation, while "not work as intended" suggests a failure to achieve a specific, deliberate objective.