a proper functioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a proper functioning" is not correct in standard written English.
It should be "proper functioning" without the article "a." Example: "The device requires proper functioning to operate efficiently."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Animosities and loyalties can undermine what can otherwise be a proper functioning body, he says.

The Guardian

Iodine is an important mineral nutrient essential for a proper functioning of human and animal organism.

Food Chemistry

A photovoltaic system usually produces power quality pollutions to the interfaced power systems without a proper functioning of active filters.

International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems

Without a proper functioning control system, it is impossible to sustain a comfortable indoor environment for student occupants.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

What is happening now is what should have happened at the start of the euro project: a proper functioning of the stability and growth pact.

The Guardian - Opinion

And also: what was her husband doing keeping an entire house secret – it's obvious that it is more than a bolthole; it's a proper, functioning home.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

He supports the Environmental Protection Agency, arguing that policing polluters is a proper function of the government.

The New Yorker

I am unable to agree that this is a proper function for the Court to perform and I therefore dissent.

Cornell University

As always on a film I feel a bit lost, the writer not having a proper function and seldom being called upon.

The Guardian - Film

He added that Mr. Zumbrun shared the Reagan Administration's view that "it's not a proper function of legal services lawyers to seek redistribution of the wealth" and pursue "social activism" through lobbying and other means.

The New York Times

The performance is measured by the bottleneck weight of a constrained forest defined by a proper function (Goemans and Williamson, SIAM J. Comput. 24 (1995) 296 317).

Discrete Applied Mathematics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the state of something working correctly, omit the article 'a'. Use "proper functioning" instead of "a proper functioning."

Common error

Avoid using the article 'a' before "proper functioning". The phrase is grammatically correct without it. Using 'a' implies that you are referring to one instance of proper functioning, which is usually not the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a proper functioning" incorrectly attempts to use a noun ("functioning") in an adjectival way. As Ludwig AI explains, the correct form is "proper functioning" without the article. The grammatical function is to describe the state of something working correctly or as intended.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a proper functioning" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI indicates, the correct form is "proper functioning" without the article 'a'. The phrase is most commonly used in scientific, news, and formal business contexts to describe something that is working correctly or as intended. Alternatives such as "correct operation", "optimal performance", and "effective working" can also be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Proper operation

Replaces 'functioning' with 'operation', focusing on the act of operating correctly.

Correct functioning

Substitutes 'proper' with 'correct', emphasizing accuracy in function.

Optimal performance

Shifts the focus to achieving the best possible level of performance.

Effective working

Uses 'working' instead of 'functioning', suggesting a practical, operational state.

Appropriate functioning

Replaces 'proper' with 'appropriate', indicating suitability for a purpose.

Sound functioning

Uses 'sound' to convey the idea of reliable and stable operation.

Functional integrity

Emphasizes the completeness and unimpaired state of functionality.

Operational readiness

Highlights the state of being prepared and able to function correctly.

Serviceability

Focuses on the ability to provide a useful service through proper functioning.

Working order

A common phrase referring to the condition of being in a state where something functions properly.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "proper functioning" in a sentence?

Use "proper functioning" to describe something that is working correctly or as intended. For example, 'The machine requires "proper functioning" to operate efficiently'.

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

No, the grammatically correct phrase is "proper functioning" without the article 'a'. The addition of 'a' is unnecessary and makes the phrase incorrect.

What can I say instead of "proper functioning"?

You can use alternatives like "correct operation", "optimal performance", or "effective working" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "proper functioning" and "a proper function"?

"Proper functioning" refers to the state of something working correctly. "A proper function" describes a specific task or role that is suitable or appropriate, so it's not a direct substitute.