close to being functional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to being functional" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is nearly operational or effective but not quite there yet. Example: "The new software is close to being functional, but a few bugs still need to be fixed before the official launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their investigation, based on hundreds of previously unpublished internal memos, and exclusive interviews with intelligence sources, shows how many of the NYPD's strategies aren't even close to being useful, functional, or successful.

The Guardian - Opinion

And an even smaller number, closer to 15, are functional.

Vice

Intuitively, if one gene is close to one functional group, the weight is small, thus the gene is less likely to be claimed as a scattered gene.

Bioinformatics

These protein models can be grouped into four categories: 1) Reliable models can be built and the locations of mutations are close to known functional sites.

BMC Genomics

This shows that we are close to a functional understanding of the HOG, PKC and MAT pathways; that this functional understanding can be expressed within the rxncon formalism; and that the iterative model building and bipartite Boolean simulation is a potent tool to identify and correct missing or erroneous features in even very large models.

BMC Systems Biology

Dermitzakis et al. (2003) noted that CRMs have short words that are close to becoming functional sites, and thus have the potential to quickly gain new function.

Genome Biology and Evolution

This substitution is close to the functional RGD motif and may influence integrin binding.

BMC Genomics

Environmental variations (e. g. temperature) may beconsidered as benign if their mean value is close to the functional optimum of the trait.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Two isolates revealed an amino acid substitution in the penton protein at position 305 (tyrosine residue instead of phenylalanine), which is close to the functional RGD motif and may influence integrin binding.

BMC Genomics

Some systems are almost a decade in deployment of the software and not even close to independently functional and many are switching vendors in the hope of a better system.

HuffPost

It lacks genes encoding toxins or flagella, the hair-like appendages that propel other disease-causing bacteria, and only half of the genes that remain are functional, but closer examination of the genome may yet identify the DNA sequences encoding the genetic on/ off "switches" that together reprogram infected Schwann cells.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close to being functional", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is and what specific function it is approaching. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "close to being functional" when the subject is far from operational. This can create false expectations and misrepresent the current state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to being functional" functions as an adjectival modifier. It describes a noun, indicating that it is in a state of nearing its intended operational capacity. Ludwig confirms it is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "close to being functional" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe something nearing its operational state. While relatively rare in occurrence, according to Ludwig, it appears across a range of contexts, including news, science and business. When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides sufficient clarity on the subject and its intended function, while also ensuring that it is actually nearing completion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost operational

Replaces "close to being" with "almost", focusing on the state of being operational.

nearly ready

Emphasizes readiness as opposed to functionality, implying preparation is almost complete.

on the verge of working

Highlights the imminence of functionality, suggesting a breakthrough is near.

approaching functionality

Focuses on the progress towards becoming functional, indicating movement in that direction.

nearing completion

Suggests that the final steps to achieve full functionality are being taken.

almost up and running

An idiomatic expression suggesting imminent operational status.

in the final stages of development

Highlights that the functionality is being finalized, and is in advanced development phases.

becoming viable

Focuses on something becoming practical and able to function effectively.

nearly serviceable

Indicates that something is almost in a condition to provide a service or perform a task.

about to be usable

Suggests the point where something is ready to be utilized is very close.

FAQs

What does "close to being functional" mean?

It means something is nearing a state where it can perform its intended function effectively, but isn't quite there yet.

What can I say instead of "close to being functional"?

You can use alternatives like "almost operational", "nearly ready", or "approaching functionality" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "almost functional" or "close to being functional"?

Both are acceptable, but "almost functional" is more concise. The choice depends on the desired emphasis; "close to being functional" can highlight the process of becoming functional.

How can I use "close to being functional" in a sentence?

For example: "The prototype is "close to being functional", but still requires some adjustments before it can be tested properly."