things go well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'things go well' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used to express hope or to indicate that something is progressing satisfactorily. For example: "I hope things go well with your job search."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's when things go well.

The New York Times

And that's if things go well.

The New Yorker

Well, that's great when things go well.

Harvard Business Review

"It assumes all things go well".

The New York Times

Things go well until they don't.

The New York Times

Things go well, up to a point.

The New York Times

The employees get all the rewards if things go well.

The Economist

That may be enough if things go well.

The Economist

If things go well, of course, covenants are irrelevant.

The Economist

When things go well, everyone wants on the bandwagon.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

That makes everything more lucrative if things go well and much worse if they don't.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "things go well", consider adding a conditional clause to specify under what circumstances the positive outcome is expected. For example: "If the weather holds, things will go well with the outdoor event."

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying heavily on "things go well" can make your writing sound repetitive and less sophisticated. Instead, consider using more specific and descriptive alternatives like "the project succeeds" or "the initiative thrives" to add depth and clarity to your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things go well" primarily functions as a clause expressing a desired outcome or a positive expectation. It is often used conditionally, as demonstrated by Ludwig in the examples: "If things go well, she will apply to carry on" or "Even if things go well, a glitch-free games seems unlikely."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "things go well" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey optimism and positive expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in written English and frequently appears in news articles and other media. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferred in highly professional contexts. The usage patterns, as evidenced by Ludwig, reveal its prevalence in news and media, as well as academic settings, underlining its broad applicability in expressing hope for favorable outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everything works out

Focuses on the resolution of a situation, implying that all aspects align positively.

everything falls into place

Suggests a sense of natural order and effortless alignment of events.

all goes according to plan

Emphasizes adherence to a pre-determined course of action, suggesting predictability and control.

the outcome is favorable

Focuses specifically on the result, indicating a beneficial conclusion.

success is achieved

Highlights the attainment of a specific goal, emphasizing accomplishment and triumph.

developments are positive

Highlights the favorable nature of occurrences.

it succeeds

Highlights the accomplishment of a specific goal.

fortune smiles

Implies that external forces contribute to a positive outcome, adding a touch of luck and serendipity.

it pans out

This is a colloquial expression meaning that something turns out well or is successful.

it clicks

Suggests an intuitive and seamless connection, implying a smooth and successful process.

FAQs

How can I use "things go well" in a sentence?

You can use "things go well" to express hope or a positive expectation. For instance, "I hope "negotiations go well"" or "If "things go well", we'll expand the project."

What are some alternatives to "things go well"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "everything works out", "all goes according to plan", or "success is achieved" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "things go well" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "things go well" might sound informal in certain formal contexts. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "the venture flourishes" or "the endeavor prospers" for a more polished tone.

What does it mean when someone says "things go well"?

It typically means they are expressing a hope or belief that a particular situation will have a positive outcome, indicating a favorable result is anticipated.