these work

USAGE SUMMARY

"these work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to things that have been discussed in the previous sentence or paragraph. For example, "With the right tools, these work can be easily accomplished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

These work".

The Guardian - Opinion

None of these work.

The Guardian - Arts

Might these work?

The Guardian - Money

How will these work together?

The Washington Post

These work requirements have become counterproductive.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whether these work is one thing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's a video on how these work.

The New York Times

These work simultaneously as RF hollow cathodes.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

These work by using past behaviour to predict the future.

MIT Technology Review

And you know what these work better.

TechCrunch

These work best when there is a formal limit.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "these work" when you want to indicate that certain methods, strategies, or tools are effective in achieving a particular outcome. Be sure the context makes it clear what "these" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "these work" without a clear antecedent for "these". Ensure the reader knows exactly what you are referring to to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "these work" functions as a declarative statement, asserting the effectiveness or functionality of something previously mentioned or understood. According to Ludwig, this usage is correct and common across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "these work" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that certain methods, strategies, or tools are effective. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is frequently used in news and media, science, and general discussions. Remember to ensure that the reference of "these" is clear to avoid ambiguity. For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "these are effective" or "these function correctly". With its widespread usage and clear meaning, "these work" remains a valuable phrase for everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

These are effective

Focuses on the effectiveness of something, replacing the verb 'work' with a more direct adjective.

These function correctly

Emphasizes the proper functioning of something, using a more technical term.

These are operational

Highlights the operational status of something, often used in a more formal context.

These yield results

Focuses on the outcome or results produced, shifting the emphasis from the process to the effect.

These are in working order

Specifies that something is in a condition to work, adding a detail about its state.

These are applicable

Highlights the relevance and applicability of something, changing the focus from function to suitability.

These are successful

Emphasizes the success of something, focusing on achieving a desired outcome.

These hold true

Indicates that something is valid or accurate, shifting the focus to truth or validity.

These are valid

Highlights if something is accurate and error free.

These get the job done

Focuses on the completion of a task, emphasizing practicality and effectiveness.

FAQs

How can I use "these work" in a sentence?

You can use "these work" to indicate the effectiveness of previously mentioned items or methods. For example: "We tried several approaches, and fortunately, "these work"".

What's a formal alternative to "these work"?

In a more formal setting, you might prefer alternatives like "these are effective" or "these function correctly", which maintain a professional tone while conveying the same meaning. See /s/these+are+effective.

Which is correct: "these work" or "this works"?

"These work" is used when referring to multiple items, while "this works" is used for a single item. The correct choice depends on whether you're discussing one thing or several.

What does it mean when someone says "these work"?

When someone says "these work", they are typically asserting that certain methods, tools, or strategies are successful or effective in achieving a desired outcome.