work wonders

USAGE SUMMARY

"work wonders" is a correct phrase that is used in written English.
You can use it to talk about something that has a positive, impressive effect. For example: "The new software has worked wonders for our business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Plain-speaking can work wonders.

Independent

It has been known to work wonders.

The New York Times

A social network can work wonders, too.

Independent

Well-placed asterisks work wonders.

The Guardian

– Lucy, Boston Massages work wonders.

The Guardian - Opinion

A name change could perhaps work wonders.

Harvard University

A gender change can work wonders.

The Guardian

Frozen blueberries would also work wonders here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

—Helen Cope Porter Thoughtful, elaborate wrapping can work wonders.

The New York Times

And Isabelle Huppert continues to work wonders as an actress.

The New Yorker

Together, these could work wonders for profitability in depressed Japan.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work wonders" to describe solutions or actions that have a surprisingly positive and transformative effect.

Common error

Avoid using "work wonders" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional language such as "proves highly effective" or "yields significant results".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work wonders" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of something being remarkably effective or beneficial. Ludwig's examples show its use across various contexts to highlight positive outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work wonders" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes something being surprisingly effective or beneficial. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, media and Wiki. While generally neutral to informal in register, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or highly professional writing. When using "work wonders", ensure it aptly conveys the unexpectedly positive outcome you wish to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be highly effective

Focuses on the effectiveness of something, instead of implying a surprising or remarkable result.

make a big difference

Highlights the degree of positive change, with a less formal tone.

be very effective

Emphasizes the degree of effectiveness, lacking the sense of amazement.

do the trick

A more informal way of saying something is effective, often implying it solves a specific problem.

yield impressive outcomes

Emphasizes the outcomes as being impressive.

achieve great results

Highlights the positive outcomes achieved, rather than the process itself.

prove very beneficial

Highlights the advantageous nature of something, not necessarily its power or effect.

create excellent results

Focuses on the generation of excellent outcomes.

have a significant impact

Focuses on the impact or influence something has, instead of its effectiveness.

have a transformative effect

Emphasizes the transformative power of something, rather than its simple effectiveness.

FAQs

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

You can use "work wonders" to describe something that produces surprisingly good results. For example, "A good night's sleep can "work wonders" for your mood".

What are some alternatives to "work wonders"?

Alternatives to "work wonders" include phrases like "be highly effective", "do the trick", or "make a big difference", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "work wonders" in formal writing?

While "work wonders" is widely understood, it might be too informal for academic or highly professional writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "prove very beneficial" in such contexts.

What does it mean when something "works wonders"?

When something "works wonders", it means it has a surprisingly positive and beneficial effect. It suggests that the outcome is better than expected.