this works vs that works

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'This works' is used when referring to something close to the speaker or happening in the present moment, while 'that works' is used when referring to something farther away or in the past.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 868 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to something close to the speaker or happening in the present moment.

"this works"

Use 'this works' when talking about something nearby or currently happening.

Examples:

This works perfectly for me.
I think this works better than the other option.

Show examples from the web [+]

Look, I know how this works.
Now, here's how this works, Caitlin.
So tell me how this works.
LEE: So tell me how this works.
You know how this works, better than most.
Look, just remember how this works.
And I'm very interested, frankly, to see how this works.
Ted, you know how this works.
- Maybe you don't get how this works.
Well, you know how this works.
So we can prove to the world that this works.
Olivia, you know how this works.
You know how this works, son.
I know how this works, Ma.
You know how this works, Archer.
You still don't know how this works.
Perhaps you've misunderstood the particulars of our relationship - how this works.
He stole billions from his clients, so I know how this works.
I'm pretty sure you see how this works.
I'm just explaining to you how this works. Okay.

Alternatives:

This is effective.
This is functioning well.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to something farther away or in the past.

"that works"

Use 'that works' when talking about something distant or that happened in the past.

Examples:

I heard that works for some people.
That works for me too.

Show examples from the web [+]

Sosomebody that works with meat professionally.
I read about this mobile medical team that works in remote Nigeria.
And we have a problem-solving technique that works.
And this is my system that works.
Next time buy something that works.
I found a lamp that works.
Or someone that works at the museum.
You, sir, that works here.
I don't think we have a Julia that works here.
I'm looking for the overly-emotional girl that works here as a waitress.
Let me show you a little something that works for me.
I think I still have a credit card that works.
That means running software on your computer that works to solve complicated mathematical problems.
- We have a system that works here.
I still can't believe that works.
I've got to find something that works for me.
Especially one that works for the federal government.
It's a system that works perfectly well.
It's a system that works perfectly well.
By convincing his brain that changing something that works is bad.

Alternatives:

That is effective.
That is functioning well.

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this works vs that works

"this works"

"that works"

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