when it works

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when it works" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation or condition that is effective or successful at a particular time. Example: "I find the software useful, but only when it works as intended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When it works, it's wonderful.

The New York Times

When it works, it works.

The New Yorker

"When it works, opera is extraordinary.

Independent

And this is when it works.

The New Yorker

When it works, it works wonders.

The New York Times

When it works out it is great.

The Economist

When it works, it's great.

The Guardian - Tech

That is, when it works.

The New York Times - Tech

Best thing "When it works.

The Guardian - Money

"When it works, humanity amplifies".

The New Yorker

And when it works, hooray, OK? OK.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "when it works", ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to, preventing ambiguity. For example, instead of "The system is great when it works", specify: "The software is great when it works as intended."

Common error

Avoid using "when it works" without a clear reference to what "it" is. Ensure the subject is explicitly stated or easily inferred from the preceding context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when it works" functions as an adverbial clause of condition, modifying the main clause by specifying the circumstances under which the action or state described in the main clause is valid. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when it works" functions as a conditional adverbial clause, used to specify the circumstances under which something is effective or successful. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in academic and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what "it" refers to, preventing ambiguity. Related phrases include "if it's effective" or "as long as it's functional". Overall, "when it works" is a versatile and widely accepted phrase for expressing conditional effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it's effective

Replaces "works" with "effective", focusing on the outcome.

as long as it's functional

Focuses on functionality as the key element.

assuming it succeeds

Emphasizes the condition of success as a prerequisite.

provided it's successful

Highlights the provision of success as a condition.

in the event it functions

Uses more formal terms like "event" and "functions".

given it's in working order

Emphasizes the "working order" state.

should it be operational

Employs formal vocabulary to denote a working state.

on the condition it's running

Specifies that the working state is dependent on being "running".

once it proves viable

Highlights the aspect of being viable or practical.

contingent on its operation

Positions the phrase as contingent upon the operation.

FAQs

How can I use "when it works" in a sentence?

You can use "when it works" to describe a situation that is only beneficial or successful under certain conditions. For example, "The plan is effective "when it works" as expected, but it often fails."

What are some alternatives to "when it works"?

Alternatives include "if it's effective", "provided it's successful", or "as long as it's functional", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "when it works"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "when it works", especially when introducing a conditional clause. For example, "When it works, the software significantly improves efficiency."

What's the difference between "when it works" and "if it works"?

While both introduce a condition, "when it works" often implies an expectation or regularity, whereas "if it works" suggests more uncertainty or a one-time occurrence. For example, "When it works, the feature is reliable" suggests it usually works, while "If it works, we'll proceed" indicates a test or trial.