works as planned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'works as planned' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when something has proceeded in the manner you anticipated it would. For example: "Although there were a few hiccups along the way, in the end our project worked as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But whether it is American tourists or multinationals that benefit from yesterday's action depends on whether the intervention works as planned.

The New York Times

Nothing sits on the planned path above the tunnel to be dug, which is likely for the best, since the whole point is to try out the tunnel boring system to see if it works as planned.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The perm worked as planned.

The New York Times

It seems to be working as planned.

The Economist

But it didn't work as planned.

The New York Times

But nothing worked as planned.

The Washington Post

The scheme has not worked as planned.

The New York Times

It didn't necessarily work as planned.

The Washington Post

But the American strategy did not entirely work as planned.

The New York Times

Another government program that didn't quite work as planned.

The New York Times

The policy of direct intervention hasn't worked as planned.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "works as planned" to clearly communicate that a process, strategy, or system is achieving its intended purpose without deviations. It is most effective when you want to emphasize the successful execution of a design or intention.

Common error

While "works as planned" is versatile, avoid overusing it in very informal settings, as it can sound slightly formal or technical. Consider simpler alternatives like "it went well" or "it was a success" for casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "works as planned" typically functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a particular action, strategy, or system is functioning or has functioned according to its intended design. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "works as planned" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to convey that a process, strategy, or system has achieved its intended outcome, aligning perfectly with its design. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for general usage. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to professional contexts where clear and direct communication is valued. Alternatives like "goes according to plan" or "operates as intended" can offer subtle variations in tone. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate "works as planned" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

goes according to plan

Replaces "works" with "goes", emphasizing the process aligning with the plan.

operates as intended

Focuses on the operational aspect, implying the item or system is functioning in its designed manner.

functions as designed

Similar to "operates as intended" but highlights the functional aspect and original design specifications.

materializes as envisioned

Emphasizes the realization of a vision or concept into tangible form, working as expected.

achieves the desired outcome

Focuses on the successful completion of the goal, shifting from the plan itself to the end result.

fulfills expectations

Highlights meeting anticipated results or standards, indicating successful performance.

unfolds as expected

Emphasizes the unfolding or progression of events aligning with prior expectations.

performs as programmed

Specifically applicable to systems or processes that follow a predefined program, indicating correct execution.

progresses according to schedule

Highlights the aspect of timing and adherence to a pre-set timeline, indicating on-time completion.

comes to fruition as anticipated

Focuses on the final result being reached successfully, matching the original expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "works as planned" in a sentence?

You can use "works as planned" to describe a process or strategy that is unfolding or has unfolded in the way that was initially intended. For example, "The intervention "works as planned", benefiting both tourists and multinational corporations."

What are some alternatives to "works as planned"?

Alternatives include "goes according to plan", "operates as intended", or "functions as designed", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "worked as planned" instead of "works as planned"?

Yes, "worked as planned" is correct when referring to something that has already happened. "Works as planned" is suitable for describing something that is currently in operation or is expected to happen in the future.

What is the difference between "works as planned" and "works as expected"?

"Works as planned" emphasizes adherence to a specific plan or design, while "works as expected" focuses on meeting general expectations, which may not necessarily be tied to a formal plan. They are highly similar and often interchangeable, but "works as planned" has a higher degree of formality.