are operative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are operative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is currently in effect or functioning, often in legal or formal contexts. Example: "The new regulations are operative as of January 1st, ensuring compliance across all departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Also, not all virulence factors are operative in a particular disease.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Similar, but weaker, attractive forces are operative between other closely spaced polarized groups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Also, 211 numbers are operative in Atlanta and elsewhere in Georgia, in Knox County, Tenn., and in Lafayette, La.

The New York Times

Post-operative results of licentiates in Malawi are considered "comparable" to medical officers, as are operative mortality rates in Somalia.

The New York Times

In all these phenomena we believe that similar principles are operative and that similar interests are engaged.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It is true that both texts are operative," said a chagrined American official, because in NATO, English and French are the official languages.

The New York Times

And then sets about to prove it by identifying what he calls "the common therapeutic maneuvers that are operative under the general rubric of psychotherapy".

The New York Times - Books

Although there are operative risks, such as emboli and tearing, the results are excellent, and the technique may be repeated if necessary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Attractive ionic interactions are operative in the case of anionic (acid) and cationic (basic) dyes, which have negatively and positively charged groups, respectively.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Interdependence Theory clearly explains why only a small proportion of added inoculants particles are operative.

Acta Materialia

Till 700 °C, it is found that the superlattice slips are operative for six orientations, while ordinary slips are operative only for a single case.

Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Modern Processes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are operative" to denote that a process, mechanism, or rule is currently active and producing effects. It is particularly suitable in formal and scientific contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "are operative" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "are working" or "are in effect" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are operative" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something is currently in effect, active, or functional. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples confirms its role in describing the state of systems, rules, or mechanisms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

19%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are operative" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression indicating that something is currently in effect or functioning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is particularly common in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts, reflecting a formal and often technical register. While effective in these settings, it should be used judiciously in more informal communication where simpler alternatives like "are in effect" or "are active" may be more appropriate. Understanding its proper context ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are in effect

Focuses on the legal or official implementation of a rule or law.

are functioning

Emphasizes the working or operational state of something.

are in action

Highlights the active or performing state of something.

are at work

Indicates that something is actively producing an effect or result.

are active

Describes something that is currently engaged or performing its function.

are running

Implies a continuous operation or execution.

are valid

Suggests that something is legally or officially recognized.

are applicable

Indicates that something is relevant and can be applied to a particular situation.

are being implemented

Focuses on the process of putting something into effect.

are being utilized

Highlights the use of something for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "are operative" in a sentence?

You can use "are operative" to indicate that certain rules, mechanisms, or systems are currently active and producing effects. For example: "The new safety regulations "are operative" as of today".

What are some alternatives to "are operative"?

Alternatives include "are in effect", "are functioning", or "are active" depending on the specific context.

Is "are operative" formal or informal?

"Are operative" is generally considered a formal phrase, often used in legal, scientific, or business contexts. Simpler alternatives are more appropriate for informal settings.

What's the difference between "are operative" and "are working"?

"Are operative" typically implies that something is officially or systematically in effect, while "are working" suggests that something is functioning correctly. For example, "the rules "are operative"" versus "the machine "is working"".