become inoperable

USAGE SUMMARY

"become inoperable" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to something that has ceased to function or operate effectively. Example: "After the power surge, the machine will likely become inoperable." Alternative expressions include "fail to function" and "cease to operate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Such cancers must be recognized and treated early before they spread and become inoperable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Donovan said vehicle-dwellers often end up on the street after their vehicles are towed or become inoperable.

The New York Times

The six-month analysis found that a majority of the 200 water bores within the mine lease areas would become inoperable should the projects go ahead.

The Guardian

The next month, another ship, the Carnival Dream, was in port in St. Maarten when its engineers discovered that the ship's emergency diesel generator had become inoperable.

The New York Times

However, if left alone, the tumour can become inoperable, and 2,000 people still die from melanoma in the UK every year.

Independent

"It has become apparent that the parity ownership structure has become inoperable given fundamental differences over strategy and governance between A.A.R. and BP," the Russian consortium said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Mrs Skeet was a pensioner whose surgery was cancelled four times until her cancer became inoperable.

The Economist

But the most embarrassing incident occurred in March, when Consumer Reports said the Karma became inoperable while being evaluated.

The New York Times

Rendell suggested that fans phone the Eagles to express their desire for Williams, and they did so in such numbers that the team's phone system became inoperable.

The New York Times - Sports

The Coalition government kept the option of calling a double-dissolution election up its sleeve, he said, and could pull the trigger if the Senate "becomes inoperable".

The Guardian

Some found that after installing the software through Wi-Fi, they were asked to connect it to a computer with iTunes – and then the device became inoperable.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system failure, use "become inoperable" to convey a state of non-functionality. Be specific about what part of the system or device has "become inoperable" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "become inoperable" for simple mechanical failures that can be easily fixed. Opt for simpler terms like "stopped working" or "broke down" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become inoperable" functions as a verb phrase indicating a transition to a state where something is not capable of performing its intended function. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in describing technical failures and medical conditions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become inoperable" effectively describes a state of non-functionality, applicable across various contexts from technical systems to medical conditions. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in News & Media and Science domains. When writing, use "become inoperable" to clearly state that something has ceased to function, but consider simpler alternatives like "stopped working" for less formal contexts. Remember to specify what exactly has become inoperable to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cease to function

Formal alternative implying a complete halt in functionality.

become non-operational

A more formal and technical synonym for ceasing to function.

become unusable

Focuses on the impact of the failure, rendering the item unfit for purpose.

stop working

A more general and informal way to describe a cessation of function.

fail to operate

A direct and clear way of saying that something is not working.

go out of service

Often used for equipment or systems that are temporarily or permanently taken offline.

break down

Suggests a failure due to mechanical or structural issues.

malfunction

Implies an improper or abnormal function, leading to failure.

become defective

Indicates that a fault or flaw has caused the item to stop working.

become defunct

Suggests that something is no longer in existence or use.

FAQs

How to use "become inoperable" in a sentence?

You can use "become inoperable" to describe something that has ceased to function. For example, "The machine will likely "become inoperable" after the power surge".

What can I say instead of "become inoperable"?

You can use alternatives like "cease to function", "stop working", or "break down" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "become inoperable" or "became inoperable"?

"Become inoperable" is used in present/future tense or as infinitive, while "became inoperable" is the past tense form. For example, "The system may "become inoperable" (future)" vs "The system "became inoperable" (past)".

What's the difference between "become inoperable" and "become unusable"?

"Become inoperable" implies a failure of function, while "become unusable" focuses on the effect – that the item can no longer be used for its intended purpose. Something can "become inoperable" without necessarily being unusable for other purposes.