are not functioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not functioning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not operating or working as intended. Example: "The machines in the factory are not functioning properly, leading to delays in production."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are not functioning at all".

The New York Times

They are not functioning properly now.

The Guardian

"We are not functioning anymore," Lt. Pavel Kankrelidze said.

The New York Times

Like Moses said, most cell-phone towers are not functioning.

The New Yorker

"If Avery is not sleeping, we are not sleeping, we are not functioning.

The New Yorker

Even control systems that were in place are not functioning properly, the report said.

The New York Times

As a result, 50,000 water supply points are not functioning across rural Africa.

The Guardian

She is recovering in a hospital, but her kidneys are not functioning well.

The Washington Post

Research has shown that most existing fishways in China are not functioning correctly.

Ecological Engineering

Of 17 planned nuclear sites, eight were cancelled and two are not functioning.

The Economist

Even those who are able to make it to health facilities find that they are not functioning.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a complex system, clarify which specific components "are not functioning" to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The system is not functioning", specify "The cooling system and power supply are not functioning".

Common error

Avoid using "are not functioning" without providing context. Saying "Things are not functioning" lacks clarity. Be specific about what isn't working and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not functioning" serves as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that the subject is not performing its intended or expected function. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is a correct and usable phrase in English. Examples from Ludwig show its use across varied domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not functioning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something that is not working or operating as intended. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears across diverse contexts, including news, scientific publications, and formal business documents. While versatile, clarity can be improved by specifically identifying what components "are not functioning". Related phrases like "are not working" and "are out of order" offer simpler alternatives, whereas phrases like "are non-functional" provide a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not working

Replaces "functioning" with the more common "working", indicating a general state of not being in operation.

are non-functional

Uses an adjective to directly describe the state of not being functional.

are not operating

Uses "operating" as a synonym for "functioning", implying that something is not in its normal working state.

are inoperative

A more formal way of saying something is not working or functioning.

are out of order

Suggests a temporary state of being broken or non-operational, often used for machines or systems.

are not performing

Emphasizes a lack of expected performance or activity.

have ceased to function

Indicates a complete stop in functioning, often used for more critical or permanent failures.

are not running

Implies that something is not currently active or in progress.

are disabled

Implies that something has been deliberately turned off or made inactive.

are ineffective

Focuses on the lack of desired results or impact rather than a complete cessation of function.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are not functioning" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "are inoperative", "are non-functional", or "have ceased to function".

What are some common synonyms for "are not functioning" in everyday language?

In everyday conversation, you can use simpler alternatives like "are not working", "are out of order", or "are not operating".

Is it grammatically correct to say "is not functioning" instead of "are not functioning"?

Yes, but the choice depends on the subject. Use "is not functioning" for singular subjects (e.g., "The machine is not functioning") and "are not functioning" for plural subjects (e.g., "The machines are not functioning").

In what situations is it best to use "are not functioning" over similar phrases?

The phrase "are not functioning" is suitable for a wide range of contexts where something is not working as intended. It is particularly useful when describing systems, processes, or organs that have a specific function they are failing to perform. Similar phrases, like "are not effective", might be more appropriate when the issue is a lack of desired results rather than a complete breakdown.