worked out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worked out" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically means to have achieved a result after much effort or thought. For example, "After months of hard work, I finally worked out the solution to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It worked out perfectly.

The New York Times

It worked out fine.

The New York Times

"Luckily, it worked out".

The New York Times - Sports

It's worked out fine".

The New York Times

"Thankfully it worked out".

Independent

It worked out tonight".

The New York Times

"It all worked out".

The New York Times - Sports

None worked out.

The New York Times

Obviously, it's worked out".

The New York Times - Sports

And it's worked out".

The New York Times

It worked out beautifully!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "worked out", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a successful outcome or the act of solving a problem. For instance, "The plan worked out perfectly" versus "I worked out the solution to the equation."

Common error

Avoid using "worked out" in passive constructions when a more direct verb is appropriate. For example, instead of "The details were worked out by the committee", it's often clearer to say, "The committee worked out the details."

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "worked out" primarily functions as a predicate, indicating that something has been successfully resolved or has produced a positive outcome. As shown by Ludwig, it is used to describe the result of a situation or effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "worked out" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe successful outcomes, problem-solving, or resolutions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. Its neutral register allows for use in both formal and informal settings, as evidenced by its prevalence in news media and general-purpose sources. While alternatives like "turned out well" and "proved successful" exist, "worked out" remains a frequently used and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turned out well

Emphasizes the positive outcome of a situation.

proved successful

Highlights the achievement of a desired result.

was resolved

Focuses on the solution or settlement of a problem.

came to fruition

Implies a gradual development leading to a successful result.

was figured out

Stresses the mental effort involved in understanding something.

was determined

Suggests a careful and deliberate process of finding a solution.

was calculated

Emphasizes a precise and methodical approach.

reached a solution

Focuses on the act of finding an answer to a problem.

materialized

Indicates that something abstract has become real or concrete.

unfolded as planned

Highlights that events progressed according to a predetermined course.

FAQs

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

You can use "worked out" to describe a situation that ended successfully, like "Everything "worked out" in the end". You can also use it to refer to solving a problem: "I finally "worked out" the math problem".

What are some alternatives to saying "worked out"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "turned out well", "was resolved", or "proved successful" as alternatives to ""worked out"".

Is "worked out" formal or informal?

"Worked out" is generally considered to be neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality often depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation.

What's the difference between "worked out" and "figured out"?

While both phrases relate to finding a solution, ""worked out"" often implies a broader resolution or successful conclusion, while "figured out" specifically refers to understanding or solving a puzzle or problem. The plan "worked out" versus I figured out the problem.