"it doesn't always work" vs "it doesn't work always"

Question

"it doesn't always work" vs "it doesn't work always"

The phrase 'it doesn't always work' is correct, while 'it doesn't work always' is not a common or natural construction in English. The correct phrase places the adverb 'always' before the verb 'work' to convey the intended meaning.

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

This phrase is used to express that something does not function consistently or reliably.

Examples:

It doesn't always work, so we need to find a more reliable solution.
The software doesn't always work properly on older devices.
The plan doesn't always work as expected in practice.
The machine doesn't always work smoothly.
The system doesn't always work efficiently.

Alternatives:

it works intermittently
it works inconsistently
it doesn't function reliably
it doesn't operate consistently
it doesn't function consistently

The correct placement of the adverb 'always' is before the verb 'work' to convey the meaning that something is not consistently functioning.

Alternatives:

it doesn't always work
it works intermittently
it works inconsistently
it doesn't function reliably
it doesn't operate consistently

Answer 1

it doesn't always work

This phrase is the correct and commonly used form in English. The adverb 'always' is correctly placed before the verb 'work' to convey the intended meaning.

Answer 2

it doesn't work always

This phrase is not commonly used in English. The adverb 'always' should be placed before the verb 'work' for correct syntax.

"it doesn't always work" vs "it doesn't work always"

it doesn't always work

it doesn't work always

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