usually this works

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "usually this works" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that a particular method or approach is generally effective in achieving a desired outcome. Example: "When troubleshooting the software, I find that usually this works: restarting the application can resolve many issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Usually this works through transparent mechanisms whose rules are clearly understood.

The Economist

Usually this works.

Vice

Usually this works out because there is always somebody who has more possessions to accommodate in the apartment and somebody else who is trying to save money.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Usually this work is done to provide a means of prioritizing one area over another for protection.

International Encyclopedia of Human Geography

Usually, this work involves supporting my clients in doing something truly powerful and exciting that they've dreamed about for months or years, but just couldn't muster the time, energy or courage to pursue.

Huffington Post

"The collection agencies want to get paid, so usually this strategy works," Mr. Rukavina said.

The New York Times - Health

Usually this method works best for soft-leaf herbs such as basil, tarragon, lovage and parsley.

WikiHow

Usually this step works when the drunkenness has not gone too far but is still very evident.

WikiHow

Usually this trick worked a treat and all the restaurants would be buzzing for around two months every spring, in a period when the restaurants are otherwise quiet.

Independent

usually this will work for guys with black hair, so if you're a brown or blond, or whatever, maybe brush your hair across your forehead.

WikiHow

Usually this happens after work.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "usually this works", ensure that the context provides clear indicators of what "this" refers to, to avoid ambiguity for the reader. For example: "We've tried different approaches, but when troubleshooting, usually this works: restarting the application often resolves many issues."

Common error

Avoid using "usually this works" when the outcome is highly uncertain or experimental. Using the phrase when the method's success is not generally expected can undermine your credibility. Instead, opt for phrasing that conveys uncertainty such as "this might work" or "this could potentially work".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "usually this works" functions as an assertion of likely success. It suggests that a particular action or method is likely to produce the desired result, based on past experience. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "usually this works" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that suggests a method is generally effective, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While the phrase is considered correct, its usage is relatively rare, appearing across diverse contexts like news, wikis, and science. To make your writing more appealing, it's essential to ensure the antecedent of "this" is clear and that you adjust the phrasing to match the desired level of formality. Remember, even though the phrase suggests that something tends to work, it doesn't guarantee success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this typically works

Replaces "usually" with "typically", suggesting a slightly stronger expectation of success. "Typically" implies a more established pattern than "usually".

this generally works

Substitutes "usually" with "generally", indicating a broad, overall expectation rather than a frequent occurrence.

this is generally effective

Replaces "works" with "is generally effective", shifting the focus to the effectiveness of the approach, with a slightly more formal tone.

this tends to work

Uses "tends to work", indicating a inclination for success rather than a guaranteed outcome. This alternative suggests a probabilistic outcome.

this often works

Replaces "usually" with "often", suggesting a less frequent success rate. "Often" implies the action doesn't work every time.

this is usually successful

Replaces "works" with "is usually successful", which changes the structure and emphasizes the success rate of something.

this is typically effective

Uses "typically" instead of "usually" and "effective" instead of "works", making the phrase slightly more formal and emphasizing effectiveness.

this is known to work

Suggests that the method's effectiveness is established or recognized, adding a sense of authority.

this solution generally works

Adds "solution" to specify that this applies to a problem-solving context, narrowing the scope of the phrase.

this method usually succeeds

Substitutes "works" with "succeeds", which brings attention to the positive outcome or accomplishment. This is a more affirmative option.

FAQs

How can I use "usually this works" in a sentence?

You can use "usually this works" to indicate that a particular method or approach is generally effective. For example: "When troubleshooting the software, I find that "usually this works": restarting the application can resolve many issues."

What are some alternatives to "usually this works"?

Alternatives include "typically this is effective", "generally this succeeds", or "this tends to work" depending on the context and the level of certainty you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "usually this works" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "usually this works" might be considered too informal for some formal writing contexts. In such cases, consider more formal alternatives like "this is generally effective" or "this method typically succeeds".

What does "usually this works" imply about the success rate of a method?

The phrase ""usually this works"" suggests that the method is effective most of the time, but not always. It indicates a generally positive expectation of success without guaranteeing it.