cease to function

USAGE SUMMARY

"cease to function" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to when an object, machine, system, etc. stops working properly. Example: When the power went out, all of the computers in the office ceased to function.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"The whole system will cease to function.

The New York Times

And markets, in effect, cease to function.

The New York Times

Without them, the office would cease to function.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Moscow will simply cease to function as a city.

The New Yorker

"Without them, narcotics operations would practically cease to function".

The New Yorker

In the process, every business model we know will cease to function.

The Guardian

Most of those things regarded as the essentials of modern society would cease to function.

The Guardian

New organizations come into existence and old ones cease to function.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What is required is evidence of a panic in which lending and borrowing dry up and markets cease to function.

The New York Times

Fascists warned that if all humans were given equal value and equal breeding opportunities, natural selection would cease to function.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They're ceasing to function.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "cease to function" in casual conversation; simpler alternatives like "stopped working" are more suitable.

Common error

Using "cease to function" in everyday conversation can sound unnatural. Opt for more common phrases like "stopped working" or "broke down" in informal settings to maintain a natural and relatable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cease to function" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the termination of an action or process. Ludwig's examples show it being used to describe the stopping of systems, organizations, or even biological processes. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is generally correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cease to function" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the termination of an action or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for formal written English. While "cease to function" is widely used, it's generally more suited to formal contexts such as news reports, scientific writing, and encyclopedia articles. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "stopped working" are usually preferred. Ludwig's examples indicate this phrase is particularly common in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, avoid using "cease to function" in informal settings, where more common phrases are appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stop functioning

Replaces "cease" with "stop", offering a more common and slightly less formal alternative.

stop working

Offers a simpler and more direct way of saying that something is no longer functioning.

fail to operate

Emphasizes the failure aspect, highlighting that the intended operation is not achieved.

become non-functional

Uses a more clinical or technical term to describe the loss of functionality.

become inoperative

Uses a more technical and formal term, focusing on the inability to operate.

go out of service

Suggests a more scheduled or maintenance-related termination of function.

shut down

Suggests a deliberate or controlled termination of operation.

break down

Indicates a sudden and often unexpected cessation of function, typically due to mechanical failure.

become defunct

Implies a complete and irreversible termination of operation or existence.

malfunction

Focuses on the incorrect or impaired function, leading to the cessation of normal operation.

FAQs

What does "cease to function" mean?

"Cease to function" means to stop working or operating. It indicates the termination of a specific action or process. For example, "The machine will "cease to function" if it overheats".

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

You can use "cease to function" to describe when something stops working. For instance, "If the power supply is interrupted, the system will "cease to function"".

What can I say instead of "cease to function"?

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

Is "cease to function" formal or informal?

"Cease to function" is relatively formal. In informal contexts, it is usually better to use "stop working" or "break down".