"It doesn't work" vs "It doesn't work out"

Question

"It doesn't work" vs "It doesn't work out"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'It doesn't work' is commonly used to indicate that something is not functioning properly or as expected. On the other hand, 'it doesn't work out' is often used to express that a plan, idea, or relationship is not successful or feasible.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

This phrase is used to express that something is not operating correctly or as intended. It can refer to a machine, a plan, a method, etc.

Examples:

I tried to start the car, but it doesn't work.
The printer doesn't work. I think it needs to be fixed.
The new software doesn't work on my computer.

Alternatives:

it's not working
it's broken
it's malfunctioning
it's not functioning
it's not operating

This phrase is used to indicate that something did not end successfully or as planned. It can refer to a relationship, a project, a decision, etc.

Examples:

I thought about moving to a new city, but it didn't work out.
Their business partnership didn't work out as they had hoped.
I tried to fix the issue, but it didn't work out in the end.

Alternatives:

it didn't go as planned
it wasn't successful
it wasn't feasible
it didn't succeed
it didn't pan out

Answer 1

It doesn't work

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is not functioning properly or as expected.

Answer 2

It doesn't work out

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express that a plan, idea, or relationship is not successful or feasible.

"It doesn't work" vs "It doesn't work out"

It doesn't work

It doesn't work out

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