a working phone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a working phone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a phone that is functional and capable of making calls or performing its intended tasks. Example: "I need to borrow a working phone to make an important call since mine is out of battery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

A working phone should be readily accessible.

The New York Times

Efforts to obtain a working phone number were unsuccessful.

The New York Times

Applying for those credits, however, does require a working phone or an Internet connection.

The New York Times

He urged riders to dial *55 from a working phone to report a problem.

The New York Times

PARSONSFIELD, Me. — The novelist Carolyn Chute doesn't have a working phone, a fax or a computer.

The New York Times - Books

As soon as he got to a working phone, he said, he was going to call his fellow-authors.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Do a couple barely working phone numbers count as direction? .

Vice

A Suffolk village's working phone box has re-emerged after being almost completely hidden by ivy.

BBC

So they want to take this other phone that the two didn't destroy, which was a work phone.

The Guardian - Tech

The obvious problem with that approach is that the most interesting conversations do not take place over e-mail or on a work phone.

The New Yorker

Or you can put your enterprise applications on personal mobile devices using something like Good Technology, which expands the potential scope of mobile access and avoids the annoying burden of having a work phone and a personal phone.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing emergency situations, clarify the availability of "a working phone" for immediate assistance.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone has access to "a working phone". In certain contexts, clarify whether a phone is available before providing instructions that rely on it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a working phone" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "working" modifies "phone" to specify its operational status. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and common. The phrase denotes a phone that is functional and capable of performing its intended tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis shows that "a working phone" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its role in emphasizing the functionality of a phone. The phrase is neither too formal nor informal, fitting seamlessly into news articles, scientific discussions, and everyday conversations. While alternatives like "a functional phone" and "an operational phone" exist, "a working phone" remains a clear and effective way to convey that a phone is in operational condition. Remember to specify "a working phone" in situations where functionality might be in question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a functional phone

Replaces "working" with a synonym emphasizing the phone's operational state.

an operational phone

Similar to "functional phone", highlighting the phone's readiness for use.

a phone that works

A more explicit phrasing of the phone's working condition.

a phone in working order

Emphasizes the phone's condition and readiness for use.

a phone that is functioning

Uses a more formal verb to describe the phone's operational state.

a usable phone

Focuses on the phone's ability to be used for its intended purpose.

a phone that's in service

Highlights that the phone is connected and available for calls.

a phone with service

Indicates the phone has network connectivity.

a connected phone

Focuses on the phone's ability to connect to a network.

a phone that has a dial tone

A more specific description of a working landline phone.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a working phone"?

Alternatives include "a functional phone", "an operational phone", or "a usable phone", each emphasizing the phone's operational state.

Is it redundant to say "a working phone"?

While "phone" generally implies functionality, specifying "a working phone" emphasizes its operational status, particularly when contrasting it with a broken or inactive device. It's not strictly redundant but adds clarity in specific contexts.

When is it important to specify "a working phone"?

Specify "a working phone" in situations where phone functionality isn't guaranteed, such as during emergencies, in areas with poor service, or when describing technological limitations.

What is the difference between "a working phone" and "a mobile phone"?

"A working phone" simply means a phone that is functional, while "a mobile phone" refers to a portable cellular device. The two terms aren't interchangeable, as a mobile phone may or may not be in working condition.