provided it works

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provided it works" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a condition that must be met for something to be acceptable or valid. Example: "I will agree to the plan, provided it works as intended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The Australian Submarine Corporation can take part in the tender process to build Australia's new submarines, provided it works with an international partner.

The Guardian

Provided it works, it only invalidates the Augustinian-Platonic argument for illumination.

SEP

But people want security too, and will pay (reasonably) for it, provided it works and is not annoying very much like consumer products.

Forbes

So for Uber users, or for situations where perhaps one of several riders wants to throw a little extra down for a job well done, Pax could be a decent option — provided it works as advertised.

TechCrunch

It'll retail for $199 when it goes on sale later this month, which is a surprisingly good deal, provided it works well and offers at least a decent user experience.

TechCrunch

Photos is a holistic activity that takes place across Apple's hardware offerings (and beyond), and provided it works well for users, you can probably expect more of an approach where software experiences become transcendent of the different gadgets they call home.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It was the least painful route for shareholders – provided it worked.

The Guardian - Business

It's almost as if there are some kinds of work that degrade human dignity, rather than provide it; work that the puffed-up pontificating classes are fortunate enough to never even witness, much less try.

TechCrunch

Each state receives a lump sum of federal money, with substantial freedom to shape its welfare program, provided it requires work and sets time limits on the receipt of cash assistance.

The New York Times

"The psychological principle is this: anyone can do any amount of work, provided it isn't the work he is supposed to be doing at that moment".

The New York Times - Science

As Robert Benchley once noted, "anyone can do any amount of work, provided it isn't the work he is supposed to be doing at that moment".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provided it works" to introduce a necessary condition for an action or outcome, making sure the context clearly defines what 'works' means. For example, "The investment will proceed, "provided it works" as projected in the initial forecasts."

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple conditional clauses with "provided it works". Simplify by breaking down complex sentences or using clearer, more direct phrasing. Overuse can lead to convoluted and confusing prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provided it works" functions as a conjunction phrase, introducing a conditional clause. It sets a specific condition that must be met for the main clause to be valid or effective. As noted by Ludwig, this condition hinges on the functionality of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

24%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provided it works" is a useful conjunction phrase for setting a condition based on functionality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and demonstrates its usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While not exceedingly common, it's a versatile phrase to use when emphasizing that an outcome is contingent on something functioning as intended. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid overly complex sentences. Consider using alternatives such as "assuming it functions" for a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assuming it functions

Replaces "provided" with "assuming", emphasizing a presupposition of functionality.

if it is effective

Uses a more direct conditional structure focusing on the effectiveness of something.

on the condition that it is operational

Adds a formal tone by using "on the condition that" and "operational", highlighting the working state.

as long as it's running

Focuses on the continuous operation of something as the necessary condition.

contingent on its performance

Highlights that something depends on how well something else performs.

given that it's in working order

Emphasizes the 'working order' aspect as a prerequisite.

subject to its proper functioning

Uses a formal tone, indicating reliance on proper functionality.

depending on its success

Shifts focus to the 'success' aspect of its operation.

only if it's functional

Uses "only if" to clearly state the requirement for functionality.

assuming its practicality

Replaces functionality with practicality, focusing on usefulness.

FAQs

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

Use "provided it works" to express a condition that must be met for something to be valid or acceptable. For instance, "I'll support the new software, "provided it works" seamlessly with our existing systems."

What are some alternatives to "provided it works"?

Alternatives include phrases like "assuming it functions", "if it is effective", or "as long as it's running", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "provided it works" and "if it works"?

"Provided it works" emphasizes a prerequisite or condition that must be satisfied, while "if it works" is a more general conditional statement. "Provided" is slightly more formal and indicates a stronger dependency.

Can "provided it works" be used in all contexts?

While generally applicable, "provided it works" may sound slightly informal in highly technical or formal writing. In those cases, consider more precise alternatives like "on the condition that it is operational" or "subject to its proper functioning".