activate the system

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "activate the system" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when giving instructions to turn on or enable a particular system or device. Example: "To begin the process, please activate the system by pressing the power button."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Finally, we tested whether NK4 could repress activation even after HGF was allowed to activate the system for a defined period, such as 2 or 4 h.

ACS Synthetic Biology

If GNBP3 participated in the activation of systemic infection following ingestion then heat-killed Candida would activate the system less in gnbp3 mutants than in wild-type larvae.

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

So liquids activate the system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Funny cartoons activate the system," he said.

The New Yorker

It took about 10 minutes to set up the hardware and activate the system.

The New York Times - Tech

You need a French bank card equipped with a memory chip, a "smart card," to activate the system.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

These absorptions may be attributed to the polyisocyanate resins used to activate the systems.

Heritage Science

Once activated, the system has certain activities and responsibilities that continue as long as the archive exists.

Database Archiving How to Keep Lots of Data for a Very Long Time

Officials did not identify the sailor or say why he might have activated the system.

The New York Times

Activating the system the old way can take more than an hour.

The New York Times - Tech

It was later modified to detect a hidden intruder when the driver activated the system.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, use "activate the system" to clearly indicate the action needed to start a process or device.

Common error

While "activate the system" is generally acceptable, consider simpler alternatives like "turn on the system" in casual settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "activate the system" functions primarily as a command or instruction. It directs the user to initiate or enable a specific system, as seen in Ludwig's examples from varied sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "activate the system" is a grammatically sound and commonly used instruction to start or enable a process or device. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's applicable in various contexts, particularly in science, news, and technical domains. While it maintains a neutral to professional tone, simpler alternatives like "turn on the system" may be preferred in informal settings. The phrase is prevalent in authoritative sources like The New York Times and scientific publications, making it a reliable choice for clear and actionable instructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn on the system

This alternative uses a more common and straightforward verb, "turn on", to replace "activate".

enable the system

This alternative focuses on making the system operational, similar to activating it.

initiate the system

This alternative implies starting the system, emphasizing the beginning of its operation.

start up the system

This alternative suggests beginning the system's process of starting.

trigger the system

This alternative suggests causing the system to start working, often in response to a specific event.

set the system in motion

This alternative uses a more figurative expression to convey the idea of starting the system.

power up the system

This alternative specifically refers to providing power to start the system.

boot up the system

This alternative is more specific to computer systems, referring to the startup process.

get the system running

This alternative emphasizes the system's operational state after being activated.

switch on the system

This is a more literal alternative, referring to using a switch to activate the system.

FAQs

What does "activate the system" mean?

The phrase "activate the system" means to start or enable a particular system or device, making it operational and ready for use. It is a common instruction across various contexts.

What can I say instead of "activate the system"?

You can use alternatives like "turn on the system", "enable the system", or "initiate the system" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "activate the system" or "turn on the system"?

Both "activate the system" and "turn on the system" are correct, but "turn on the system" is often considered more straightforward and suitable for everyday language, while "activate the system" can sound slightly more formal.

In what contexts is "activate the system" commonly used?

The phrase "activate the system" is frequently used in technical manuals, instructions for electronic devices, and in scientific or engineering contexts. It can also be found in news reports discussing security or defense systems.