capable of functioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of functioning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that has the ability to work or operate. For example, "This computer is capable of functioning both as a laptop and a desktop."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These results suggest that ∼half of MCM hexamers may be functional (or capable of functioning in the future) in DNA replication at any moment in S-phase.

Plosone

While current Chromebooks are certainly more capable of functioning offline that earlier models, connectivity is still key to functionality.

TechCrunch

Few units are thought capable of functioning without outside help.

Independent

Without the support of a majority of parliament's 650 elected members, an executive is not considered capable of functioning.

The Guardian

Interface automata [deH01] have been introduced as an interface theory [deH01a] capable of functioning as a behavioral type system.

University of California, Berkeley

With a high extinction coefficient, AuNPs are expected to be capable of functioning as powerful absorbers.

Talanta

P1 AgNPs are designed to be capable of functioning as a composite light-absorber.

Talanta

Mr. White said he hoped that programs like the Montessori experiment, by making blind children more capable of functioning in a mainstream environment, would increase this number.

The New York Times

The larger lesson of the Nunes episode is that some of the creaky machinery of ethics checks and balances in Washington is still capable of functioning.

The New Yorker

"In the current situation that the Parliament is in, it is completely paralyzed and no prime minister is capable of functioning".

The New York Times

Unless the narcosis is severe, the victim is capable of functioning physically and may not fully realize that his rationality is being impaired.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system or component, specify what it is "capable of functioning" as to provide clear context. For example, instead of saying "The device is capable of functioning", say "The device is capable of functioning as both a transmitter and a receiver."

Common error

Avoid using "capable of functioning" when a simpler adjective like "functional" or "operational" suffices. For instance, instead of "a device capable of functioning", consider "a functional device".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of functioning" serves as an adjective phrase that describes the inherent ability or potential of something to perform a specific task or operation. Ludwig AI validates the correctness and usability of this phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

35%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "capable of functioning" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe the ability of something to operate or perform a task. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, its formality varies depending on the source. For clarity, it's best to specify what the subject is "capable of functioning" as. While widely accepted, consider simpler alternatives like "functional" or "operational" to avoid wordiness. Ultimately, this phrase effectively conveys the potential or readiness of something to work as intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functional

A more concise way of expressing the same idea.

able to operate

Focuses on the ability to perform specific operations.

ready to work

Emphasizes preparedness and availability for work.

fit to serve

Implies suitability for a specific role or purpose.

equipped to perform

Highlights having the necessary tools or resources.

in working order

Indicates that something is currently functional.

operative

Stresses that something is in effect or working.

competent to act

Highlights the necessary skills and authorization.

prepared to execute

Focuses on readiness to carry out a task.

in a position to deliver

Emphasizes the ability to provide a specific outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "capable of functioning" in a sentence?

Use "capable of functioning" to describe something that has the ability to work or operate. For example, "This software is "capable of functioning" on multiple operating systems".

What are some alternatives to "capable of functioning"?

You can use alternatives like "able to operate", "functional", or "in working order" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "capable of functioning properly"?

While not strictly redundant, "capable of functioning properly" can often be shortened to just "functioning properly" or "working correctly" for conciseness.

What's the difference between "capable of functioning" and "designed to function"?

"Capable of functioning" indicates the current ability to operate, while "designed to function" implies that something was created with the intention of operating in a certain way, regardless of its current state.