worked magic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worked magic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has achieved impressive or seemingly miraculous results through their efforts or skills. Example: "The new marketing strategy really worked magic, boosting our sales by 50% in just three months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Food

Music

Style

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

What worked magic in the end?

The New York Times

I didn't know they were a form of fairytales, but they worked magic on me.

The Guardian - Books

Jill believes Blair worked "magic" in Northern Ireland where he showed "an iron will".

The Guardian - Opinion

In short order, Notre Dame dispatched Army, 12-6, thus reinforcing the notion that Rockne's oratory had worked magic.

The New York Times - Sports

Crispy nuggets of guanciale, along with a pleasant degree of heat from peperoncino, worked magic in bucatini all'amatriciana.

The New York Times - Food

András Schiff, as remote artistically and psychologically from Barenboim as Earth from Pluto, also worked magic with Schubert.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

These letters didn't always work magic.

The Washington Post

But Mario works magic with his camera".

The New York Times

Solo, a diva can work magic.

The Guardian - Music

But I can feel that he's already working magic.

The New York Times

When kamishibai illustrations are designed well, they can work magic!

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "worked magic" to describe situations where a simple or unexpected action led to a surprisingly positive result. It's particularly effective when emphasizing ingenuity or a stroke of luck.

Common error

Avoid using "worked magic" in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sound too informal. Opt for more precise and professional language like "produced significant results" or "effected a transformation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worked magic" functions as a verb phrase where "worked" is the past tense of "work" and "magic" is a noun, suggesting that something has created a remarkable or seemingly inexplicable positive outcome. The Ludwig AI tool confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

15%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Food

7%

Music

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "worked magic" is a widely used and grammatically correct verb phrase that conveys a sense of remarkable success or positive transformation. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, although it appears in various other domains as well. While versatile, it might be less appropriate for highly formal writing, where more precise language is preferred. According to Ludwig AI, alternatives like "worked wonders" or "achieved the impossible" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worked wonders

Emphasizes a remarkably positive effect or outcome.

performed miracles

Suggests an outcome that seems almost impossible or divine.

achieved the impossible

Highlights the surmounting of significant obstacles to reach a goal.

brought about a transformation

Focuses on a significant and positive change resulting from an action.

produced remarkable results

Stresses the exceptional quality and impact of the outcome.

had a transformative effect

Highlights the capacity of something to change somebody/something completely

made a huge difference

Indicates a significant positive impact on a situation or outcome.

turned the tide

Suggests a reversal of fortune or a change in momentum.

hit the jackpot

Indicates big and sudden success

triumphed against all odds

Highlights success despite seemingly insurmountable challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "worked magic" in a sentence?

You can use "worked magic" to describe a situation where something unexpectedly or surprisingly produced a very positive result. For example, "The new coach's strategies "worked magic", turning the struggling team into champions."

What are some alternatives to "worked magic"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "worked wonders", "performed miracles", or "achieved the impossible".

Is "worked magic" appropriate for formal writing?

While "worked magic" is widely understood, it's generally better suited for informal or creative contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "produced remarkable results" or "effected a transformation".

What's the difference between "worked magic" and "worked wonders"?

Both phrases indicate a positive and surprising outcome, but ""worked magic"" often implies a sense of mystery or ingenuity, while "worked wonders" simply emphasizes the positive effect.