able to function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to function" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something or someone that has the ability or capability to operate or work properly. Example: "The new software update was designed to be more user-friendly and able to function on multiple devices." In this example, the phrase "able to function" is used to describe the software's ability to operate smoothly and effectively on different devices.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each of us is one thin experience away from being traumatised and not being able to function".

The Guardian

I won't be able to function properly.

The Guardian

We're able to function very efficiently.

The Guardian

Would Mariupol still be able to function as a port?

The Guardian

Without that, UberEats wouldn't be able to function".

The Guardian - Tech

Without Texas, our government would not be able to function.

The New Yorker

Barely able to function, my student loans went into default.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he will be able to function in social settings.

The New Yorker

I won't be able to function and cook".

The New York Times

Will I be able to function as an adult?

The Guardian

It's clear he's back and able to function.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to function" when you want to express the capacity or capability of someone or something to operate effectively or perform a specific task. Ensure the context clearly defines what "functioning" entails.

Common error

Avoid embedding "able to function" within overly complex sentences where its meaning becomes obscured. Simpler sentence structures often provide greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to function" serves as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its capacity or capability. Ludwig shows it's used across different contexts to express operational ability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to function" is a versatile phrase used to describe the capacity or capability of something or someone to operate effectively. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. When writing, ensure clarity by avoiding overly complex sentences and consider context-specific synonyms to enhance precision. The phrase is appropriate for neutral to professional registers and is widely found in authoritative sources, making it a reliable choice for expressing operational ability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functional

A direct synonym, emphasizing the quality of being capable of serving a purpose.

able to perform

Similar to the original phrase but focuses more on the act of performing tasks.

capable of operating

Emphasizes the capacity to operate or perform a specific action, highlighting functionality.

competent to perform

Focuses on the skill and proficiency required to execute a task effectively.

in working order

Highlights the state of being functional and ready for use, often referring to machinery or systems.

fit for purpose

Indicates suitability and adequacy for a specific task or intended use.

in good condition

Highlights the physical state and readiness for use, implying proper functionality.

ready to use

Emphasizes the immediate availability and preparedness for utilization.

up and running

Indicates that something is started and operating correctly, often used for systems or processes.

operative

Implies being in effect or currently functioning, often used in formal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "able to function" in a sentence?

You can use "able to function" to describe someone's or something's capacity to work or operate, such as, "After the surgery, he was finally "able to function" normally again."

What are some alternatives to "able to function"?

Alternatives include "capable of operating", "competent to perform", or simply "functional", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "able to function" in formal writing?

Yes, "able to function" is generally appropriate for formal writing. However, consider whether a more precise or technical term might be more suitable depending on the specific field or context.

What's the difference between "able to function" and "functional"?

"Able to function" describes a state or capacity, whereas "functional" is an adjective describing something that is working or capable of working. You might say, "The device is "functional" because it is "able to function" properly."