a normal functioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a normal functioning" is not correct in standard written English.
It should be "normal functioning" or "a normally functioning" depending on the context. Example: "The device is expected to have normal functioning under standard operating conditions."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

I think it's still going to be many years before all the pieces come together to make a normal functioning arm".

The New York Times - Health

There are lots of traps that can catch you out and turn you from a normal functioning procrastinator to being a paralysed one.

The Guardian

"In order to reintegrate into society and to be a normal, functioning citizen, you're more likely than not going to have to use computers".

The New York Times

Most of us, however, do not treat middle-of-the-night awakenings as a sign of a normal, functioning brain.

The New York Times

The point this scrambled paragraph makes – the point that all of these visual games leads me to – is that a normal functioning human is one that sails blithely past mistakes in a text while understanding perfectly what it means.

The Guardian

It risked the loss of its licence and began to lose lucrative contracts".This case challenges the basic role of the auditor, which represents a key element in the development of a normal, functioning economy," Mike Kubena, the firm's managing partner in central and eastern Europe, argued only six months ago.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The recal — actually a normal function of the car's electronics, according to Honda — resets the hybrid electronics to more accurately account for the battery's charge level.

The New York Times

Corzine, who ran Goldman from 1994 to 1998, told ABC News that Abacus was structured with no economic benefit".Hedging positions is a normal function.

The Guardian - Business

Since wine values are not absolute but both subjective and a normal function of the market, in the interest of open-mindedness I told Roman Roth, Wölffer's winemaker and general manager, that I would like to taste another bottle a year later.

The New York Times

Let be a normal function.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Each background distribution is generally well-approximated by a normal function.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "normally functioning" when you need to emphasize the manner in which something functions. For example: "a normally functioning system".

Common error

Avoid using the article "a" before "normal functioning" unless you intend to describe a specific instance or example. It's more common to use "normal functioning" as a general attribute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a normal functioning" functions as an adjectival phrase, typically modifying a noun to describe its operational state. However, as Ludwig AI points out, the inclusion of the article "a" is often grammatically questionable. The phrase attempts to describe something that operates in a typical or expected manner.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a normal functioning" is used to describe the typical or expected operation of something. However, as Ludwig AI notes, it's often grammatically incorrect to include the article "a". It's generally better to use "normal functioning" (without the article) or "normally functioning", depending on whether you're describing the state of operation or the manner in which something operates. Predominantly found in science and news media, the phrase serves a descriptive purpose. Remember to consider the context and grammatical correctness to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

properly functioning

Emphasizes the correctness of the function.

functioning normally

Reorders the words to emphasize the manner of functioning.

typically functioning

Highlights the typicality of the functioning.

regular functioning

Focuses on the routine or established nature of the function.

normally operating

Uses the verb 'operating' instead of 'functioning'.

sound functioning

Implies healthy and stable operation.

healthy functioning

Suggests vitality and robustness in the function.

standard operation

Replaces 'functioning' with 'operation' to denote a set process.

typical performance

Shifts the focus to the output or result of the function.

routine process

Emphasizes the established and repeatable nature of the process.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "a normal functioning"?

While sometimes used, "a normal functioning" is often considered grammatically incorrect. It's better to use "normal functioning" or "a normally functioning" depending on the context. Ludwig AI suggests using "normal functioning" more often.

What's the difference between "normal functioning" and "normally functioning"?

"Normal functioning" describes the state of operating as expected. "Normally functioning" describes how something operates, emphasizing the manner of operation. For example, a "normally functioning" kidney.

What are some alternatives to "a normal functioning"?

You can use alternatives like "properly functioning", "functioning normally", or "typical performance" depending on the context.

How can I ensure I'm using "normal functioning" correctly in a sentence?

Consider the context. If you are describing a general state, use "normal functioning". If you are describing the manner of operation, use "normally functioning". For example, "The goal is to restore normal functioning" versus "a normally functioning heart".