became operational

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became operational" is correct and can be used in written English.
It expresses that something has been put into action or has started working. For example, "The new computer system became operational yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both systems became operational in 1959.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The IPCC became operational in April 2004.

The Guardian

The first network component, ARPANET, became operational in October 1969.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As his fingers became operational, the numbness that had enveloped his body withdrew.

The New Yorker

The bank became operational last November, funded to 2016 with £3.8bn of taxpayers' money.

The Guardian

Fortunately, the I.A.E.A. learned of the installation before it became operational.

The New York Times

She said the company never became operational and there had been no board meetings.

The Guardian - Business

The port became operational in June 2012 and was named in Hambantota Mahinda Rajapaksa International Port.

The New York Times

Work began on EDSAC in 1946, and it became operational in May 1949.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A prototype was first flown in October 1947, and the first squadron became operational in 1949.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If it became operational, the site would violate the 1972 Antiballistic Missile Treaty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the start of a system or organization, "became operational" is a clear and professional choice. Use it to indicate the point at which something is ready and functioning.

Common error

While "became operational" is suitable for many contexts, avoid substituting it with overly technical jargon that may confuse your audience. Simpler alternatives like "started working" may be more appropriate for general audiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became operational" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of activity or functionality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it clearly denotes the transition of something into a working state. Examples from Ludwig show its use across various contexts, emphasizing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "became operational" is a versatile and widely used verb phrase that indicates the commencement of activity or functionality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a range of contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, science, and formal writing. While alternatives like "started functioning" or "was launched" exist, "became operational" provides a clear and professional way to convey that something is now up and running. When using this phrase, it's important to consider your audience and choose the most appropriate level of formality, avoiding overly technical jargon where simpler alternatives would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started functioning

Focuses on the commencement of function, emphasizing the action of working.

became functional

Highlights the state of being able to function, shifting the emphasis to capability.

commenced operations

More formal, emphasizing the initiation of organized activities.

was activated

Emphasizes the action of initiating or setting something in motion.

was launched

Implies a more formal introduction or deployment, often used for projects or initiatives.

went live

Commonly used in technology contexts, meaning something is now available for use.

came online

Similar to "went live", but specifically used for systems or services becoming accessible electronically.

began working

A simpler and more direct way of saying something started to function.

turned on

Describes physically activating something.

was implemented

Focuses on the execution and putting into effect of a plan or system.

FAQs

How can I use "became operational" in a sentence?

You can use "became operational" to describe when a system, organization, or piece of equipment starts functioning. For example, "The new hospital "became operational" last month".

What are some alternatives to "became operational"?

Alternatives include "started functioning", "became functional", or "commenced operations", depending on the desired level of formality and context.

Is "became operational" formal or informal?

"Became operational" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for professional, news, and technical contexts. Simpler phrases like "started working" might be more appropriate for informal settings.

What's the difference between "became operational" and "was launched"?

"Became operational" implies that something is now functioning, whereas "was launched" often refers to the formal introduction or deployment of something new. A project "was launched", then "became operational".