be inoperative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be inoperative" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is not functioning or working as it should be. Here is an example sentence: "The company's new software update caused several features to be inoperative, causing frustration among its users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

However, there will be other cases in which §108(b) will be inoperative.

Cornell University

A side effect, that is, that appears to be inoperative vis-à-vis our current president.

The Washington Post

If Orman wins today, the "Harry Reid agenda" may well be inoperative by the time he gets to Washington.

The New Yorker

To determine the optimum spacing of detectors, it is important to consider the probability that a detector will fail at some time and be inoperative until replaced or repaired.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

Among some of the problems faced by the musical was the failure of a $250,000 fully automated rigging system that was to have serviced the pro duction but was found to be inoperative.

The New York Times

In a brilliant moment, he said: "I do not want to issue a document that the world will see must necessarily be inoperative, like the pope's bull against the comet".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Previous assumptions are inoperative.

The New York Times

Now two were inoperative.

The Washington Post

Yes, some of the burglar alarms on the glass cases had been inoperative for years.

The New York Times

Further testing showed that seven of the eight human V1r genes are inoperative.

The New York Times

The others are inoperative" have stood as a marker for the deceitfulness of the Nixon administration.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be inoperative" when you want to convey a formal or technical tone, particularly when describing systems, mechanisms, or legal statutes that are not functioning or in effect. Consider the context to determine if a more common synonym like "not working" is more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "be inoperative" in casual conversation. It can sound stilted or unnatural. Simpler alternatives like "not working" or "broken" are usually more suitable for informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be inoperative" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a noun (subject) as not being in operation or effect. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe systems, laws, and mechanisms that are not functioning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

28%

News & Media

36%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be inoperative" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, commonly employed to indicate that something is not functioning or is no longer effective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a reliable expression that appears frequently in various contexts. Predominantly found in academic, news, and scientific sources, "be inoperative" carries a formal and technical tone. When writing, be mindful of the audience and purpose: while suitable for professional or technical documents, simpler alternatives might be preferable in casual conversation. The related phrases like "be inoperable", "be unworkable", and "be ineffective" offer nuanced options for expressing similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be inoperable

Similar in meaning, often used in medical or technical contexts when something cannot be operated on or is not working.

be unworkable

Describes a plan or system that cannot be put into practice effectively.

be ineffectual

Describes something that does not produce the desired effect.

be ineffective

Similar to ineffectual, but can also apply to people who are not successful in achieving their goals.

be invalid

Refers to something that is not legally or officially acceptable.

be disabled

Indicates that something has been made unable to function.

be inert

Indicates a lack of activity or reactivity, often in a chemical or biological context.

be out of order

A common and general way to describe something that is not functioning correctly.

be irrelevant

Describes something not connected or important to the matter at hand.

be dormant

Indicates a temporary period of inactivity.

FAQs

How to use "be inoperative" in a sentence?

You can use "be inoperative" to describe something that is not functioning or is not legally binding. For example: "The safety mechanism was found to be inoperative", or "That clause of the contract will be inoperative after the new law is passed".

What can I say instead of "be inoperative"?

You can use alternatives like "be inoperable", "be unworkable", or "be ineffective" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be inoperative" or "be inoperable"?

Both "be inoperative" and "be inoperable" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Be inoperative" often refers to something not being in effect or not functioning as intended, while "be inoperable" typically refers to something that cannot be operated or used.

When should I use "be inoperative" instead of "not working"?

"Be inoperative" is more formal and technical than "not working". Use "be inoperative" in professional, academic, or legal contexts where precision is important. In general conversation, "not working" is usually sufficient.