becomes operative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'becomes operative' is correct and usable in written English.
It usually means that a thing becomes active or begins to have an effect. For example, "The new law becomes operative at midnight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But you won't have wasted your vote since your second-place vote now becomes operative.

The New Yorker

It was also observed that a new type of dislocation motion becomes operative in this plateau region.

Acta Materialia

Also, where issues of local law have to be adjudicated before reaching questions under the United States Constitution, the desirability of having the appropriate Court of Appeals adjudicate such local issues becomes operative.

Cornell University

The results show that far-field cavitation is the dominant mechanism under loading conditions that are close to mode I, while void coalescence near the notch tip becomes operative as the mode II component increases.

Acta Materialia

Once the physician makes a diagnosis or identifies the most likely cause of the symptoms and decides on the appropriate treatment, an entirely new set of conditions becomes operative.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If he is to have the benefit of the privilege at all, and not be confronted with the argument that he has waived a right even before he could have invoked it, he must be able to raise a bar at the point in his testimony when his immunity becomes operative.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The Observatori de l'Ebre became operative in late 1904.

Advances in Space Research

He was thus in office before the supersedeas became operative.

Cornell University

These rights become operative upon nonpayment of the debt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The California Evidence Code, presently in effect, did not become operative until January 1 , 1967

Cornell University

The convention became operative in 1961, and its original membership included France, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, and Yugoslavia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "becomes operative" when you want to emphasize the process or point at which something starts to have an effect, rather than a simple beginning. It adds a touch of formality and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "becomes operative" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "starts working" or "takes effect" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becomes operative" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of activity or effectiveness. It's used to specify the point at which a process, system, or rule begins to function as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

28%

News & Media

26%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "becomes operative" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English. As Ludwig AI indicates, it typically signifies that something is becoming active or starting to have an effect. While not overly common, it's used across various domains, including science, news, academia, and encyclopedias. For less formal contexts, consider alternatives like "takes effect" or "starts working". However, "becomes operative" provides a level of precision useful when describing when a process, system, or rule commences functioning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

takes effect

This alternative is more direct and common, focusing on the moment something begins to have an impact.

becomes effective

Similar to "takes effect", but may imply a gradual or phased implementation.

comes into force

A formal term typically used in legal or official contexts, emphasizing the legal validity of something.

starts functioning

Focuses on the practical aspect of something beginning to work or operate.

is activated

Suggests a triggering event that causes something to become operative.

is put into action

Emphasizes the active use or application of something.

is implemented

Highlights the action of putting something into practice or making it operational.

is triggered

Focuses on an event or condition that causes something to become operative.

is set in motion

Implies a process or series of events that lead to something becoming operative.

kicks in

An informal way of saying something starts to have an effect, often suddenly or noticeably.

FAQs

What does "becomes operative" mean?

The phrase "becomes operative" means that something starts to function, take effect, or become active. It's often used in formal contexts to describe when a law, agreement, or system begins to work.

When is it appropriate to use "becomes operative"?

It is appropriate to use "becomes operative" in formal writing, legal documents, technical manuals, or when describing a process starting to function. It's less suitable for casual conversation.

What are some alternatives to "becomes operative"?

Alternatives include "takes effect", "comes into force", "becomes effective", or "starts functioning depending" on the context.

Is "becomes operative" the same as "becomes operational"?

While similar, "becomes operative" often implies a process or rule starting to have an effect, whereas "becomes operational" focuses more on something being ready for use. The choice depends on the specific context.