to make it work

USAGE SUMMARY

"to make it work" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the effort or action required to achieve a desired outcome or to fix something that is not working properly. Example: "I had to troubleshoot the computer for hours to make it work again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He wanted to make it work.

The New Yorker

They're going to make it work".

The New York Times

You have to make it work".

Independent

We have to make it work better.

The Economist

I just have to make it work.

The New York Times - Sports

"I had to make it work".

Independent

"We need to make it work".

The New York Times

He has to make it work.

The New York Times - Sports

Miami knows how to make it work.

The New York Times - Sports

Whatever it takes to make it work.

The New York Times

"We want to make it work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to make it work", ensure the context is clear regarding what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to make it work" repeatedly in long, complex sentences. This can make the sentence clunky and harder to read. Instead, vary your phrasing by using alternatives like "to ensure its success" or "to guarantee functionality".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make it work" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It often modifies a verb, indicating the reason or intention behind an action. Ludwig examples show it used across various contexts to denote effort towards achieving a functional or successful outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to make it work" is a common and versatile expression used to indicate the effort required for something to succeed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage across various domains, including news, academia, and business. While generally neutral in register, varying your phrasing with alternatives like "to ensure success" or "to achieve results" can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and contexts, you can effectively leverage "to make it work" in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to ensure its success

Focuses on guaranteeing a favorable outcome, shifting from effort to the result.

to achieve the desired outcome

Focuses on attaining a specific result, rather than the effort involved.

to guarantee functionality

Emphasizes the operational aspect, suitable when something needs to be usable.

to get it right

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on accuracy and correctness.

to secure a positive result

Emphasizes obtaining a favorable outcome, highlighting the achievement.

to bring it to fruition

Highlights the process of completing something, emphasizing the realization of a plan or idea.

to bring about success

Highlights the action of causing success, emphasizing the active role.

to ensure viability

Focuses on the capacity to survive or be sustained successfully.

to realize its potential

Focuses on fully developing capabilities or possibilities, emphasizing growth and development.

to find a solution

Highlights problem-solving aspect, emphasizing the resolution of an issue.

FAQs

How can I use "to make it work" in a sentence?

You can use "to make it work" to describe the effort needed for something to succeed. For example, "They invested a lot of time "to make it work" despite the challenges."

What are some alternatives to "to make it work"?

Alternatives include "to ensure success", "to achieve results", or "to guarantee functionality" depending on the context.

Is "to make it work" formal or informal?

"To make it work" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives may be preferable in highly professional settings.

What does "to make it work" mean?

"To make it work" means to put in the necessary effort or take the required actions to ensure something is successful or functions correctly.