how it work vs How it worked

The phrases "how it work" and "how it worked" are not directly comparable as they are in different tenses. "How it work" is incorrect because it does not match the subject-verb agreement in present tense. On the other hand, "how it worked" is correct in past tense. Therefore, the correct choice depends on the context in which you are speaking.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 1808 views

This phrase is incorrect. The verb "work" does not agree with the subject "it" in present tense.

"how it work"

To correct this phrase, you should use the present tense form of the verb, which is "works": "how it works".

Alternatives:

how it works

This phrase is correct in past tense. It is used when referring to something that happened in the past.

"How it worked"

You would use "how it worked" when discussing a past event or situation. It indicates that the action or process has already taken place.

Show examples from the web [+]

He had to tear it apart, see how it worked.
I thought you were asking all those questions about how it worked because you cared.
Until I started directing movies, I didn't realize how it worked.
And before Turing, no-one had a clue how it worked.
I didn't understand how it worked.
If we knew how it worked, we could feed the world.
I tried to tell him how it worked.
We know how it worked, Dr. Patel.
But that's when I realized how it worked.
After all, Walter was the only one brilliant enough to figure out how it worked.
We talked about what the flu was and how it worked, and she even...
And the temporary materials are an important part of the program, because we were able to show how it worked.
I never really knew how it worked but your mother said it protected her and she wanted you to have it.
If I couldn't figure out how it worked, - no one else would be able to.
When I was a little girl, I took a butter knife and opened up a dead bunny to see how it worked.
It costs six figures, and I wanted to see how it worked.
She knew how it worked since she created it In the first place.
I don't know how it worked at your old school, but did you notice that we all wear uniforms around here?
Here's how it worked: the driver... bets as many lights as possible, if he makes it, his partner owes him... 100 schillings, and if not, he pays.
IF I KNEW HOW IT WORKED, I WOULD HAVE INFLUENCED MY WAY OUT OF THIS.

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how it work vs How it worked

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