works out

USAGE SUMMARY

"works out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to mean to calculate the result of (e.g. "I worked out the answer to the equation"), to exercise (e.g. "I'm going to the gym to work out"), or to have a satisfactory result (e.g. "It all worked out in the end").

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Everybody works out".

The New Yorker

Works out 1.4%.

The New Yorker

She works out every day.

The New York Times

"The glaze works out better".

The New York Times - Food

"So it works out perfectly".

The New York Times

"It works out sometimes.

The New York Times - Magazine

That works out to €3 a bite.

The New York Times

"Funny how it works out," Valentine said.

The New York Times

It never works out that way.

The New Yorker

But mostly, he works out with Hash.

The New York Times

"It never really works out that way.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "works out" to mean exercise, be specific about the type of exercise if relevant. For example, instead of "He works out", say "He lifts weights" or "He runs marathons".

Common error

Avoid using "works out" as a generic term without specifying the context. Saying "It works out" without context can be unclear. Instead, clarify what 'it' refers to and how it results in a positive outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "works out" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, indicating actions like exercising or achieving a positive outcome. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "works out" is a versatile phrasal verb with multiple meanings, ranging from physical exercise to successful resolutions and calculations. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used. As the Ludwig examples illustrate, it frequently appears in News & Media and Wiki contexts, with a neutral to informal register. When using "works out", it's essential to consider the context to ensure clarity, whether it’s specifying the type of exercise or clarifying what is resolving successfully. Related phrases like "turns out well" or "proves effective" can provide nuanced alternatives, depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turns out well

Focuses on the positive outcome or successful resolution of something.

ends up successfully

Highlights the successful conclusion after a process or effort.

proves effective

Emphasizes the effectiveness or efficacy of a method or plan.

pan out

A more informal way to say that something has a successful result.

materialize

Stresses the realization or concrete manifestation of something planned or hoped for.

exercise

Specifies the physical activity aspect of 'works out'.

train

Focuses on the disciplined and regular aspect of physical exercise.

calculate

Highlights the mathematical or computational aspect of 'works out'.

compute

Emphasizes the process of performing calculations to arrive at a result.

everything falls into place

Emphasizes the harmonious and orderly resolution of a situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "works out" to describe a successful outcome, as in "Everything "turns out well" in the end". It can also refer to exercising, such as "She "exercises" daily".

What does "works out" mean when referring to calculations?

When referring to calculations, "works out" means to compute or calculate a result. For example, "That "calculates" to €3 a bite".

Is it correct to say "everything works out"?

Yes, it's correct to say "everything works out". It means that all issues will resolve successfully or that a situation will have a positive outcome. Similar phrases include "everything "falls into place"".

What's the difference between "works out" and "pans out"?

"Works out" is a more general term that can refer to exercising, calculating, or a situation resolving successfully. "Pans out" is typically used informally to describe whether a plan or situation is successful.