appears to be malfunctioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears to be malfunctioning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a device, system, or process that is not functioning as intended or expected. Example: "The printer appears to be malfunctioning, as it is not responding to any print commands."

✓ Grammatically correct

Earth, Planets and Space

The Guardian - Books

Cornell University

Plosone

Cell and Bioscience

The New York Times

The New York Times - Arts

Earth, Planets and Space

British Journal of Cancer

BMC Pediatrics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, by making a comparison with multiple reference station records, we could deduce that the ground motion at TYS was observed correctly and that the TMR instrumentations appeared to be malfunctioning.

Earth, Planets and Space

Audrey's pleasant life is shattered when her techno-refusnik parents are murdered by what appears to be a malfunctioning Echo.

The Guardian - Books

Part of the problem here appears to be a malfunction, such as when the robot stops working correctly or isn't able to follow an instruction.

Cornell University

Open-angle glaucoma appears to be induced by the malfunction of the trabecular meshwork cells due to injury induced by oxidative damage and mitochondrial impairment.

Plosone

Due to NHEJ's role as a DNA repair system and checkpoint activator, it is no surprise that there appears to be a connection between its malfunction and tumorigenesis in the brain.

Cell and Bioscience

Mr. Ross's lawyer, William F. Dow III, said Sunday that the crash "appears to be the result of a vehicle malfunction".

The New York Times

The set by the ferocious Danish outfit Iceage was continually interrupted by what appeared to be technical malfunctions, but it really benefited from the breathing space between eruptions.

The New York Times - Arts

Investigators said the condition appeared to be caused by a malfunction of the master switch that controls the power windows.

The New York Times

The safety agency says in its report that an initial evaluation indicates the reports of stalling or surging appear to be related to a malfunction that puts the engine in a "limp-home" mode.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, clinical efficacy outcomes appeared to be comparable regardless of malfunction.

British Journal of Cancer

On post-mortem examination of the 14 remaining animals, shunt malfunction appeared to be due to choroid plexus ingrowth in 5 animals (36%), brain tissue ingrowth in 1 (7%), misplacement of shunt in 2 (14%), and occlusion by hemorrhagic or inflammatory material in 4 (29%).

Fluids and Barriers of the CNS

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "appears to be malfunctioning", consider specifying the observable symptoms or evidence that leads to this conclusion for clarity.

Common error

Avoid definitively stating a malfunction without proper diagnosis. Using "appears to be malfunctioning" acknowledges uncertainty and suggests further investigation is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears to be malfunctioning" functions as a qualifying descriptor. It indicates that something seems to not be working correctly, but without asserting it as a definite fact. This usage aligns with Ludwig's analysis of correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "appears to be malfunctioning" serves as a qualifier, indicating that something shows signs of not working correctly, but without absolute certainty. Ludwig confirms it as grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts. Since the phrase is absent in Ludwig's examples, it's important to consider the context in which you're using the phrase in order to adjust the language so you can write with precision and clarity. The phrase lends itself to neutral language, making it suitable for news reports and objective observations. Related alternatives include phrases like "seems to be failing" or "appears to be defective", offering subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems to be failing

Focuses on the process of failing, implying a gradual decline in functionality.

appears to be defective

Highlights an inherent flaw or imperfection causing the malfunction.

seems to be out of order

Suggests a temporary state of non-functionality, implying potential for repair.

appears to be broken

Indicates a state of being damaged or irreparable.

seems to be acting up

Informal way of describing erratic or unpredictable behavior.

appears to be non-operational

Formal term emphasizing the inability to perform intended functions.

seems to be glitching

Refers to minor, temporary malfunctions, typically in digital systems.

appears to be haywire

Implies a chaotic and unpredictable malfunction.

seems to be on the fritz

Informal term suggesting a minor and intermittent malfunction.

appears to be kaput

Indicates complete failure or destruction.

FAQs

How can I use "appears to be malfunctioning" in a sentence?

You can use "appears to be malfunctioning" to describe something that isn't working correctly. For example, "The printer "appears to be malfunctioning" because it's not responding to print commands."

What's a more formal way to say "appears to be malfunctioning"?

A more formal alternative is "seems to be non-operational" or "presents a functional anomaly" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "appears to be malfunctioning" in an informal context?

In an informal context, you might say "seems to be acting up", "seems to be on the fritz", or "appears to be broken".

Is "appears to be malfunctioning" the same as "is malfunctioning"?

No, "appears to be malfunctioning" indicates an observation or suspicion, while "is malfunctioning" states a confirmed fact. The former suggests uncertainty, while the latter implies certainty.