working as it should

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working as it should" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation in which something is functioning or working properly or as intended. For example: We were relieved to find that the computer was working as it should after our maintenance check.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Change management isn't working as it should.

Harvard Business Review

"Rest assured that our system is working as it should.

The New Yorker

This controversy in psychology just shows science working as it should – being self-correcting.

The Guardian

It was developed 20 years ago and is no longer working as it should.

The Guardian

They've taken over that role but it's not working as it should be.

The Guardian

Everything is upside down; nothing seems to be working as it should.

The New Yorker

"The government exists but it is not working as it should," said Nimet, 28.

The New York Times

Once you've balanced your blood sugar, you need to make sure insulin is working as it should.

Independent

At some stage, the pendulum is likely to swing back that way.Clearly, the FDA is not working as it should.

The Economist

The good news is that when creative capitalism is working as it should, problems open the door to opportunity.

The New York Times

But the Fed chief suggested that the market was working as it should, if after the fact.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "working as it should" when you want to emphasize that something is not only functioning but also meeting the expected standards or design. It's especially useful when addressing systems, processes, or policies.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "working as it should" can sound stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "working fine" or "doing its job" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working as it should" functions as a descriptive modifier, indicating that a system, process, or object is operating according to its intended design or expected performance. Ludwig examples show its usage across various contexts to confirm proper functionality.

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, the phrase "working as it should" is a versatile expression used to describe something functioning correctly and meeting expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general informational content. While appropriate for both formal and informal settings, it is especially valuable when you want to highlight that something is operating according to its intended design or standard. Remember that in casual contexts, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Considering its frequent usage and clear meaning, "working as it should" is a reliable choice for expressing proper functionality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as intended

Simple and direct, focusing on the original intent.

functioning correctly

Focuses on the correctness of the function, rather than the expectation.

operating properly

Highlights the proper operation or mechanism of something.

performing as expected

Emphasizes that the outcome matches the initial expectations.

running smoothly

Indicates a lack of problems or interruptions in the process.

in good working order

Refers to the condition or state of being functional.

in proper working condition

Refers to the correct and suitable condition for work.

as it was designed

Highlights the adherence to the original design specifications.

by design

Highlights something works as it should due to its design.

up to par

Highlights that the level of functionality is as good as it should be.

FAQs

How can I use "working as it should" in a sentence?

You can use "working as it should" to describe something that is functioning correctly and according to its intended design or purpose. For example, "The new software is "working as it should", improving our team's efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "working as it should"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "functioning correctly", "operating properly", or "performing as expected" instead of "working as it should".

Is it better to say "working as it should" or "working as intended"?

Both "working as it should" and "working as intended" are correct and often interchangeable. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Working as it should" emphasizes a general expectation of proper function, while "working as intended" focuses on the original design or plan.

When might something be considered "working as it should"?

Something is considered "working as it should" when it meets the required level of performance in some activity; when its parts are in proper relationship for their activity, and when the entire function or process is satisfactory.