that might work

USAGE SUMMARY

"that might work" is correct and can be used in written or spoken English.
In short, it's used to suggest a possible solution to a problem or dilemma. Example: I'm not sure how to fix this problem. That might work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In theory that might work for Europe.

The Economist

It's a strategy that might work.

The New York Times

They are already exploring other materials that might work.

Stanford University

But they could lead to ones that might work.

The New York Times - Science

Economies of scale that might work for factory lines are being applied to healthcare.

Independent

"It suggests therapies that might work in real patients," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Mr. Bopp has prepared a less stringent resolution that might work as a compromise.

The New York Times

Make one adjustment, though, and you have something that might work for computers.

The Economist

Some videos that might work particularly well for these activities include: Who Inspires You?

The New York Times

Let's start out with a triangle that might work: one with heights 2, 3 and 4.

The New York Times

Well that might work for technology companies.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that might work" to introduce a suggestion or plan, especially when you are unsure of the outcome but believe it's worth trying. It acknowledges uncertainty while still proposing action.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "that might work" in your writing. While useful, overuse can make your writing sound hesitant or lacking in confidence. Incorporate stronger, more definitive language when the context allows.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that might work" primarily functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or potential. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and suggests a possible solution or a suggestion. It introduces a degree of uncertainty while proposing a course of action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

36%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that might work" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express possibility and suggestion. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to propose a solution or idea with a degree of uncertainty. It finds frequent use in news, media, and wiki contexts, offering a neutral tone suitable for various scenarios. While authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist frequently employ this phrase, it's important to avoid overuse and consider stronger alternatives when certainty is desired. Understanding these nuances allows for effective and contextually appropriate use of "that might work" in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that could function

Replaces "might" with "could", indicating a slightly weaker possibility of success.

that could be effective

Substitutes "work" with "be effective", emphasizing the result of the action.

that may succeed

Uses "may succeed" instead of "might work", suggesting a chance of achieving a positive outcome.

that has potential

Shifts the focus to the inherent possibility within something.

that shows promise

Emphasizes the encouraging signs that suggest a positive outcome.

that is feasible

Highlights the practicality and achievability of the action.

that is viable

Focuses on the capacity of the action to exist or function independently.

that offers a solution

Directly states that something provides a way to resolve a problem.

that warrants consideration

Suggests something deserves to be thought about as a potential option.

that bears investigation

Implies something should be explored to determine if it will be successful.

FAQs

How can I use "that might work" in a sentence?

Use "that might work" to propose a solution or suggest a possibility, often when other options are limited or uncertain. For example, "We've tried everything else; "that might work"".

What are some alternatives to "that might work"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that could function", "that could be effective", or "that may succeed", each subtly altering the nuance of possibility.

Is "that might work" formal or informal?

"That might work" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both informal and moderately formal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider a more definitive or precise alternative.

What's the difference between "that might work" and "that will work"?

"That might work" expresses uncertainty and possibility, suggesting something is worth trying but not guaranteed. "That will work" expresses confidence and certainty that something will be successful.