workable

USAGE SUMMARY

"workable" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a plan or solution that is possible or reasonable and can be put into practice. For example: "We discussed several workable solutions to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seems pretty inconceivable that this disparate band of parties could be part of a workable alliance, making the Labour-SNP option or a second election a surer bet.

The Guardian

Energy bill increases are continuing to cause a headache for the coalition, as a new YouGov poll shows 68% of the public believes Labour's energy price feeze is workable.

The Guardian - Business

I think the suggestion made by Mr Miliband shows that his head [I presume Major meant heart] is in the right place, but I don't think it's a workable proposition.

The Guardian

Ultimately, the reviled IMF is likely to be involved in any workable new approach.

The Guardian - Business

County cricket presented England with a workable team: it has been allowed to fall apart.

The Guardian - Sport

Maybe it's not necessary to feel a sense of personal failure that I don't have a workable solution to Syria.

The Guardian

A surge of support for the SNP in the general election poses a direct threat to Miliband's chances of winning a workable majority in May with Labour's opinion poll lead currently too slim to guarantee an outright victory over the Conservatives.

The Guardian

We think the issue [for them] is not whether it's workable or not; it doesn't deliver what they wanted.

The Guardian

Bernstein was giving Osborne what he most needed, confidence in a workable and coherent plan.

The Guardian

Johnson told the Daily Telegraph: "I feel it is going to be very difficult to make a graduate tax a workable option".

The Guardian

Despite widespread cynicism about Rio's ability to deliver anything of substance, there is an energetic groundswell of activity among activists, practitioners, NGOs and academics who want Rio+20 to deliver a workable agreement that puts sustainable development and poverty reduction at the heart of global politics.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing solutions or plans, use "workable" to convey that they are not only theoretically sound but also practically applicable and likely to succeed.

Common error

Avoid using "workable" when you actually mean something is already "working" or in operation. "Workable" describes potential, while "working" describes the current state.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "workable" primarily functions to modify nouns, describing something capable of being successfully implemented or functioning effectively. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of its use in diverse contexts, reinforcing its role as a descriptor of practical potential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "workable" is a versatile adjective used to describe the potential of a solution, plan, or system to function effectively in practice. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, business, and academic writing. While alternatives like "feasible" and "practicable" exist, "workable" specifically emphasizes the capacity to be successfully implemented. When using the term, ensure it accurately reflects potential rather than current functionality, and consider it's neutral to professional register for enhanced clarity and impact. The high frequency of "workable" in authoritative sources underscores its importance in conveying practical and effective solutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feasible

Emphasizes the possibility of being done easily or conveniently.

practicable

Highlights the capacity of being put into practice or being useful.

viable

Focuses on the ability to survive or function successfully.

achievable

Highlights the capacity of reaching a desired objective.

implementable

Emphasizes the ability to put a plan or system into effect.

applicable

Highlights relevance and suitability for a particular purpose.

realistic

Focuses on something that is likely to happen or be achieved.

sustainable

Emphasizes the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.

functional

Highlights the quality of being designed to be practical and useful.

operative

Focuses on being in force or having effect.

FAQs

How can I use "workable" in a sentence?

You can use "workable" to describe plans, solutions, or systems that are capable of functioning effectively. For example, "They developed a "workable solution" to the problem."

What's the difference between "workable" and "feasible"?

"Workable" emphasizes that something can be put into practice successfully, while "feasible" focuses on the possibility of something being done easily or conveniently. They are similar, but "workable" often implies a higher likelihood of success given existing conditions.

Which is correct, "workable solution" or "working solution"?

"Workable solution" describes a solution that has the potential to be effective, while "working solution" describes a solution that is currently effective. Use ""workable solution"" when discussing potential solutions and "working solution" when discussing current solutions.

What can I say instead of "workable"?

You can use alternatives such as "feasible", "practicable", or "viable" depending on the specific context. Each of these words emphasizes a slightly different aspect of possibility and effectiveness.