a well functioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a well functioning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that operates effectively or efficiently, often in the context of systems, processes, or devices. Example: "The team developed a well functioning software application that meets all user requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Pathology is at the centre of a well functioning hospital.

BBC

For obvious reasons, Uber is seriously concerned about punitive government intervention in a well functioning marketplace.

TechCrunch

These institutional barriers are noteworthy given that Switzerland has a well functioning direct democracy.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

First and foremost, a well functioning 'pharmacy' requires sensible nutrition.

Huffington Post

(In those days, steel was a crucial commodity for a well functioning economy).

Huffington Post

 Eight hospitals had a well functioning rotavirus surveillance system, but only 50% of the selected hospitals, had a well functioning system for surveillance of bacterial meningitis.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Reducing the chances of compounding errors requires a well- functioning market in ideas.

Forbes

That is not how a well-functioning economy should work.

The New York Times

For the PDA to work, a well-functioning EPF is necessary, which is their second preference.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

To dwell inside a well-functioning machine is to be largely unaware of its functioning.

The New Yorker

Moreover, they preferred a well-functioning product over one produced more "responsibly" but which functioned poorly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system or organization, use "a well functioning" to emphasize its operational effectiveness and ability to achieve its goals. For example, "a well functioning government" suggests the government is effectively serving its citizens.

Common error

While "a well functioning" is generally acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "efficient", "effective", or "optimized" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a well functioning" primarily functions as a pre-modifying adjective describing a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies (e.g., hospital, system, economy) operates effectively and efficiently. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a well functioning" is a phrase used to describe something that operates effectively and reliably. It is considered grammatically correct, as noted by Ludwig AI, and appears most frequently in news, science, and formal business contexts. While acceptable, varying your language with synonyms like "efficient" or "effective" can enhance writing. Remember that using "a well-functioning" (with a hyphen) is often preferred for clarity. Overall, the phrase serves to highlight the operational success and reliability of the subject it modifies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a properly functioning

Emphasizes adherence to standards and expected behavior.

an effectively operating

Focuses on the achievement of desired outcomes.

a highly efficient

Highlights the optimized use of resources.

a smoothly running

Suggests ease and lack of problems in operation.

a soundly working

Implies reliability and stability.

a reliably performing

Stresses consistent delivery of expected results.

a top-performing

Indicates superior quality and effectiveness.

an optimally functional

Highlights that the object is working at its best capacity.

a correctly working

Emphasizes the absence of defects and faults.

a successfully executed

Focuses on the successful completion of tasks and processes.

FAQs

How can I use "a well functioning" in a sentence?

Use "a well functioning" to describe something that operates effectively. For example, "a well functioning hospital" provides quality healthcare, or "a well functioning democracy" ensures citizen representation.

What are some alternatives to "a well functioning"?

Alternatives include "effectively operating", "efficiently running", or "properly functioning", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a well functioning system" or "a well-functioning system"?

Both forms are acceptable, but "a well-functioning system" with a hyphen is more common and grammatically preferred as it clearly indicates that "well" and "functioning" together modify "system".

What does it mean for something to be "well functioning"?

For something to be "well functioning" means it operates effectively and performs its intended purpose reliably. It implies that the object or system is in good working order and achieves its goals without significant issues.