cease functioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cease functioning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that stops operating or working, often in a technical or mechanical context. Example: "The machine will cease functioning if it overheats beyond the recommended temperature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I said, 'I don't know.' " In any shutdown, the government does not completely cease functioning, of course.

The New York Times

On the night of Sunday, January 30th, as the Interior Ministry appeared to cease functioning, the prison gates were left open and he walked free.

The New Yorker

Basically, I wish New York were the kind of city you often hear it described as namely, a city in which it isn't necessary to own a car but I'm afraid that without its drivers the city would cease functioning.

The New Yorker

Though prophecy did not cease functioning in early Judaism, rabbinical Judaism that influenced by rabbis, scholars, and commentators of the Bible sought to limit it by advocating the pre-Exilic era as the classical time of prophecy.

Britannica

According to the center and other anticorruption activists, bosses typically enlist longtime employees to register companies in their names; if there are legal problems, the companies cease functioning without being linked to the actual leaders.

The New York Times

Because many insect species have more than one generation of progeny per year, the prothoracic glands do not cease functioning except at some stage in the life cycle of the brood that must overwinter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Doctors did not remove Elliott's own kidneys, which have ceased functioning since the transplant.

The New York Times - Sports

The battery eventually ceased functioning when all the Zn metal was consumed (Fig. 3d).

Nature

For example, the market for short-term business-to-business loans, known as "commercial paper," has basically ceased functioning.

The New Yorker

On April 6 , 1996 a 7-year-old boy whose facial muscles had ceased functioning entered a Pfizer ward, the report said.

The Washington Post

A tunnel with a large propeller was installed in 1911 to aerate the water, but ceased functioning in the 1960's.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the failure of a complex system, use "cease functioning" to convey a sense of complete operational failure, as opposed to a minor malfunction. The phrase emphasizes the system's inability to perform its intended purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "cease functioning" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler terms like "stop working" or "shut down" are often more appropriate and sound more natural in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cease functioning" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the termination of an operational state. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is used to describe when something stops working or operating. It's a more formal way of saying "stop working."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cease functioning" is a verb phrase used to describe the termination of an operational state. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in formal contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While grammatically correct and commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig, it's important to consider the audience and context, opting for simpler alternatives like "stop working" in informal settings. When communicating about the complete failure of a system or device, "cease functioning" effectively conveys the severity of the situation, highlighting the inability to perform its intended purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stop working

This alternative uses more common vocabulary while retaining the core meaning of something no longer operating.

become inoperative

This phrase uses a more formal tone, indicating a state of being unable to function.

fail to operate

This option emphasizes the failure aspect of not functioning.

go out of service

This alternative suggests a scheduled or expected halt in operation.

shut down

This is a more direct and commonly used term, especially for machines or systems.

break down

This suggests a mechanical failure leading to the cessation of function.

become defunct

This implies a permanent end to functioning, often in the context of organizations or systems.

discontinue operation

This alternative uses formal language to describe the cessation of operations.

halt operations

This option suggests a more abrupt stop to functioning.

terminate activity

This phrase is more formal, implying a planned or deliberate end to activity.

FAQs

What does "cease functioning" mean?

The phrase "cease functioning" means to stop operating or working. It is often used in a technical or formal context to describe something that has stopped performing its intended function.

What can I say instead of "cease functioning"?

You can use alternatives like "stop working", "become inoperative", or "fail to operate" depending on the context.

Is "cease functioning" formal or informal?

"Cease functioning" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "stop working" or "shut down" are usually preferred.

How do I use "cease functioning" in a sentence?

You can use "cease functioning" to describe the failure of a machine, system, or organization. For example, "The equipment will cease functioning if it overheats" or "The department will cease functioning due to budget cuts".