The full use of оно

[randys]

Привет!

When using оно работает, what does the word "It" refer to? Would be a machine, like a car or tool? Or can it also include intangible things like an idea or process? For example if I thought of a way to solve a problem and I want tell someone about and finish by saying it works (meaning the idea) would I still use оно работает?

спасибо,

Ранди

[rjulia]

Привет, Ранди

I would simply say "Работает!" without the pronoun. And yes, you can say it about an idea (as well as a car or tool).
The pronouns он, она, оно, они refer to the gender of the noun it replaces. This is why, I think, Russian language avoids using pronoun in such a common expression as "It works".
Technically, you can use a pronoun but it's not necessarily оно (can also be он, она, они). For example: Отличная идея. Она работает! - "Great idea. It works!".
More examples:
Холодильник работает? - Работает. Does the fridge work? - It works.
Телевизор работает? - Работает. Он (TV) работал всю ночь! Does the TV work? - It works. It worked all night!

Юлия

[randys]

Thank you. That makes sense. I assume you used Ona because idea is a feminine noun? I am just grappling with genders, cases and plurals.

Thank you again!

[rjulia]

Yes, Randy, you are right. Ona because idea is a feminine noun.
Удачи!
Юлия