began functioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "began functioning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the start of operation or activity of a system, device, or process. Example: "After several months of testing, the new software finally began functioning as intended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

University City, which began functioning in 1954, was designed to bring together the scattered academic departments.

The New York Times - Travel

It began functioning late in 1996, and was broadened three years later to remove the limit on oil sales.

The New York Times

In the meantime,.biz addresses for which there was only one application began functioning in early October.

The New York Times - Tech

He was freed on bail and began functioning as an informant, continuing to speak on Twitter and elsewhere as Sabu.

The New York Times - Tech

As things snowballed, Ms. Pecknold began functioning as the band's manager; their brother, Sean Pecknold, stepped in to handle photography.

The New York Times - Arts

Previous Israeli governments have left the building alone since it began functioning during the Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation in the 1980s, the intifada.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Global Name Registry expects the initial.name addresses to begin functioning on Dec. 13.

The New York Times - Tech

Sixty ratifications of the pact are needed for the court to begin functioning.

The New York Times

This commission will begin functioning immediately after the cease‐fire goes into effect.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, a power-sharing home-rule government including both Protestants and Catholics has begun functioning in Northern Ireland.

The New York Times

Nineteen countries have also ratified the treaty, of the 60 ratifications needed for the court to begin functioning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the start of a formal entity or system, use "began functioning" to convey a sense of established operation and legitimacy.

Common error

Avoid using "began functioning" in overly casual conversations; simpler phrases like "started working" or "got going" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began functioning" typically serves as the main verb phrase within a sentence, indicating the commencement of operational activity. Ludwig provides examples from various sources to confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "began functioning" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the start of an operational activity. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in neutral to professional contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias. While the phrase is considered correct, it might be too formal for casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "started working" are preferred. Overall, understanding the nuances of "began functioning" can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started working

This alternative uses a more common and informal verb, "started", instead of "began", and replaces "functioning" with "working".

commenced operating

Replaces "began" with the more formal "commenced" and "functioning" with the business-oriented term "operating".

became operational

This alternative uses "became" which is a more emphatic verb, and replaces "functioning" with the adjective "operational".

got underway

This alternative idiomatically expresses the beginning of an activity or process, differing in structure from the original phrase.

initiated activity

Uses "initiated" instead of "began", emphasizing the start of an action, and replaces "functioning" with "activity".

entered service

This is often used in formal settings, to indicate the starting of a service. It also replaces "began" with "entered" and "functioning" with "service".

became active

This is a simpler way to indicate the beginning of activity. It also replaces "began" with "became" and "functioning" with "active".

started its run

This phrase is often used in the context of a service or a product, indicating the start of its availability. Also, it replaces "began" with "started" and "functioning" with "run".

was activated

This is a passive way to express the beginning of activity. It replaces "began" with "was" and "functioning" with "activated".

kicked off

This is an informal way to indicate the beginning of activity. It replaces the entire phrase with the phrasal verb "kicked off".

FAQs

How can I use "began functioning" in a sentence?

The phrase "began functioning" describes when something starts to operate or work. For example: "The new hospital "began functioning" in January".

What are some alternatives to "began functioning"?

Alternatives include "started working", "became operational", or "commenced operating", depending on the context.

Is "began functioning" formal or informal?

"Began functioning" is relatively formal. Simpler phrases like "started working" are better for informal contexts.

What's the difference between "began functioning" and "started operating"?

While both phrases indicate the start of operation, "began functioning" implies a system or entity has reached a state where it can perform its intended tasks, while "started operating" is a more general term.