works best with

USAGE SUMMARY

'works best with' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it in any context where you are comparing two or more options, and trying to show which one performs better together with something else. For example, "This type of paint works best with a brush, not a roller."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It works best with the pizza calzone.

The New York Times

Which wine works best with insects?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

John says it works best with cabbage water.

Independent

This works best with starchy potatoes like russets.

The New York Times - Food

(The homespun stuff works best with codeine and promethazine).

The New Yorker

Radiation generally works best with fast-growing types.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This system works best with wood shavings or chopped straw.

Cornell University

MrBayes usually works best with number of processors below 10.

Cornell University

A Nikolais program works best with variety within the genre.

The New York Times - Arts

It works best with animated footage.

Forbes

Works best with a matte foundation.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing options, clearly state why the pairing is superior: "This dough "works best with" slow-rise methods because it enhances the flavor."

Common error

Avoid vague statements. Instead of saying "This strategy "works best with" marketing", specify the type of marketing or situation: "This strategy "works best with" social media marketing targeting a younger demographic".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "works best with" functions as a verb phrase combined with an adverb and preposition. It indicates a relationship of compatibility and optimization between two elements, suggesting that one element achieves its peak performance when used in conjunction with another. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

36%

News & Media

28%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "works best with" is a versatile expression used to indicate optimal pairings or conditions across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While predominantly found in "Wiki", "News & Media", and "Science" sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When using this phrase, prioritize clarity and specificity to maximize its impact and avoid overgeneralizations. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "is most effective with" or "is optimally suited for". By following these guidelines, you can effectively leverage "works best with" to provide useful and informative recommendations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is most effective with

Uses "most effective" to emphasize the degree of effectiveness when used in combination.

is ideally suited for

Focuses on the suitability of a pairing, implying optimal results.

is optimized for

Highlights that something is specifically designed or adjusted to perform at its best with another element.

is particularly good for

Indicates that something performs well in conjunction with something else, though perhaps not exclusively.

harmonizes well with

Emphasizes the complementary nature of two elements working together.

is a perfect match for

Suggests an excellent combination, indicating seamless compatibility.

is best utilized alongside

Focuses on the optimal conditions under which something can be used to achieve the best outcome.

is most successful when used with

Highlights that a specific tool or technique has proven more successful when used with another element.

is enhanced by

Focuses on the synergistic effect, where one element improves the performance of the other.

is complemented by

Similar to "harmonizes well with", but emphasizes how one thing enhances the qualities of the other.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "works best with" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "is most effective with", "is optimally suited for", or "performs best in conjunction with". These alternatives offer a professional and polished way to express the same idea.

Is it grammatically correct to say "works good with" instead of "works best with"?

While "works good with" might be used in informal conversation, it is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is "works best with", as "best" is an adverb modifying the verb "works". Using "good" is incorrect because "good" is an adjective.

What's the difference between "works well with" and "works best with"?

"Works well with" implies that something functions adequately or satisfactorily in combination with something else. "Works best with", on the other hand, suggests that a particular pairing or condition produces the most optimal or superior result. So "works best with" indicates the superior option.

How to use "works best with" in a sentence?

You can use "works best with" to describe optimal combinations or conditions. For example: "This type of fertilizer "works best with" soil that is rich in organic matter" or "This software "works best with" the latest operating system".