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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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beginning to function

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beginning to function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the initial stages of operation or activity of a system, process, or entity. Example: "After several weeks of testing, the new software is finally beginning to function as intended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Pushing 30, she was finally beginning to function normally.

News & Media

The Guardian

Travnik's cantonal government is beginning to function normally.

News & Media

The Economist

And as investors' panic recedes, so credit markets are beginning to function.

News & Media

The Economist

The main campus at Khorog, in the Badakhshan region of the Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan, is already beginning to function as a continuing and vocational education center.

News & Media

The New York Times

The personal numbers dehumanize us; in a society increasingly run by algorithms, we are, inevitably, beginning to function like algorithms ourselves.

News & Media

The New Yorker

And its proponents have got projects and apps that are beginning to function, funding that is flowing and social momentum behind them.

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Demographic groups have begun to function like tribes or cultures.

News & Media

The New York Times

It began to function as a college in 1890.

Encyclopedias

Britannica

Even at today's anemic rates, however, the market has begun to function.

News & Media

The New Yorker

The spacer begins to function as a flexible free spacer at the β position.

Science

Polymer

Feck! Girls!" on cue – to complete the family unit, Craggy Island also began to function as a microcosm of Ireland.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beginning to function" to describe the initial stages of a system, process, or organization becoming operational after a period of inactivity, repair, or establishment.

Common error

Avoid using "beginning to function" when simpler alternatives like "starting" or "working" are more appropriate. The phrase is best suited for situations where a more complex system or entity is gradually becoming operational.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beginning to function" serves as a verbal phrase indicating the initial stage of an action or process. As Ludwig suggests, it describes the start of operational activity. Examples show its use across diverse subjects, from individuals recovering functionality to systems starting operation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "beginning to function" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the initial stages of an operation or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across diverse contexts, especially in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. The phrase conveys a sense of progress, recovery, or initial activity. When writing, consider if simpler alternatives are available but reserve this phrase for situations where emphasizing the gradual start of a complex process is desired. Remember that the contexts where this sentence is most likely found are news reports and scientific publications.

FAQs

How can I use "beginning to function" in a sentence?

You can use "beginning to function" to describe something that is in the initial stages of operation. For example, "After the repairs, the machine is "beginning to function" normally".

What are some alternatives to "beginning to function"?

Alternatives include "starting to operate", "becoming operational", or "getting underway", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "beginning to function properly"?

Yes, "beginning to function properly" is grammatically correct and implies that something is starting to work as intended after a period of malfunction or adjustment.

What is the difference between "beginning to function" and "fully functional"?

"Beginning to function" indicates the initial stage of operation, while "fully functional" means that something is operating at its complete and intended capacity. It highlights the contrast between the initial phase and the state of complete performance.

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: