that would work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that would work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest a particular solution to a problem. For example: "Let's try adding more salt to the soup - that would work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ms Sawhill doubts that would work.

The Economist

Or Grime – that would work well".

The Guardian

Why would anybody think that would work?

The New York Times

I was his high hope, the pregnancy that would work.

The New York Times

Just how that would work was uncertain, Mr. Wilson said.

The New York Times

But exactly how that would work is anyone's guess.

The New York Times

WRITER: That's what I... yes, that would work.

The New Yorker

Her search unearthed an intact lens that would work.

The New York Times

But I didn't think any of that would work.

The Guardian - Books

It's a look that would work on a grownup today.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But one can also come up with plausible maps that would work the other way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that would work" when suggesting a solution or expressing confidence in a particular approach. For example, when brainstorming ideas, use it to affirm a suggestion: "Using a collaborative platform for project management – that would work."

Common error

Avoid using "that would work" to describe scenarios that are unrealistic or have little chance of succeeding. Reserve it for situations where there's a reasonable basis for expecting a positive outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that would work" functions as a modal expression, indicating a hypothetical or conditional possibility. It assesses the potential effectiveness of a suggested action or plan. According to Ludwig AI, it's appropriate to use when suggesting a particular solution to a problem.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that would work" is a versatile phrase used to express agreement, suggest solutions, or assess the potential effectiveness of a plan. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for suggesting solutions. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, as well as scientific and general online content, maintaining a neutral level of formality. While many alternative phrasings exist to express similar ideas, selecting the most appropriate one depends on the specific context and the degree of certainty you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that could function

Replaces 'would' with 'could', suggesting possibility rather than certainty.

that might be effective

Substitutes 'work' with 'be effective' to focus on the outcome of success.

that could be feasible

Uses 'feasible' instead of 'work' to emphasize practicality and attainability.

that might just do the trick

An idiomatic expression, indicating a potential solution with a hint of doubt.

that has potential

Focuses on the inherent possibility of success, rather than a definite outcome.

that may prove useful

Emphasizes the potential benefit or advantage of something.

that's a viable option

Highlights that something is a realistic and workable choice.

that stands a chance

Suggests that something has a possibility of succeeding, often against odds.

that shows promise

Focuses on the indication of future success based on current observations.

that is worth a shot

Indicates that something is worth trying, even if the chances of success are uncertain.

FAQs

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

Use "that would work" to suggest a solution or express agreement with a proposed idea. For example: "If we increase the budget for marketing, "that would work"."

What are some alternatives to "that would work"?

Alternatives include "that could function", "that might be effective", or "that could be feasible", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "that will work" grammatically different from "that would work"?

"That will work" implies a higher degree of certainty about a future outcome, whereas "that would work" suggests a conditional or hypothetical scenario. Choose the phrase based on your level of confidence and the context.

In what situations is it best to use "that would work"?

It's best to use "that would work" when assessing potential strategies, suggesting possible solutions, or agreeing with a proposal in a conditional or hypothetical context. For example, "Implementing a phased rollout – "that would work" if we have sufficient resources."