continue to function

USAGE SUMMARY

"continue to function" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a process that is ongoing. For example: "Even after decades of use, the machine continues to function effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Congress will continue to function".

The Guardian - Opinion

Other ministries continue to function without oversight.

The New York Times

We couldn't continue to function without it.

The Guardian

Did the university continue to function?

The New York Times - Health

"We continue to function as bumblebees".

The New York Times - Sports

He also said the courts would continue to function.

The Guardian

The rest of the side continue to function impressively.

The Guardian - Sport

It was the only way I could continue to function.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Nonetheless, the United States government continued to function.

The New York Times

The song continues to function as such.

The New Yorker

"It continued to function even through the test," Mr. Hess said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "continue to function" when you want to emphasize the uninterrupted operation of something, especially after a challenge or change. For example, "Despite the power outage, the backup generator continued to function."

Common error

Avoid using "continue to function" when a simpler verb like "work" or "operate" is sufficient and less verbose. For instance, instead of "The system will continue to function normally", consider "The system will work normally".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to function" primarily serves as a verbal phrase indicating the ongoing operation or performance of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a process that is sustained over time. Examples from the search results show its use in diverse contexts, from government services to technology and bodily functions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continue to function" is a versatile verbal phrase that describes the ongoing operation or performance of a subject. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in written English, indicating a process that is sustained over time. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources but also finds use in Science and Formal & Business contexts. When using "continue to function", ensure the context necessitates emphasizing uninterrupted operation, and avoid redundancy by opting for simpler verbs when appropriate. Alternatives such as "remain operational" or "keep working" may be suitable substitutions depending on the intended nuance. With its widespread use and clear meaning, "continue to function" remains a valuable part of the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain operational

Focuses on the state of being able to operate.

keep working

Emphasizes the act of performing tasks.

sustain operations

Highlights the effort to maintain activity.

maintain functionality

Stresses preserving the ability to work.

persist in operating

Indicates continued operation despite challenges.

carry on working

Similar to "keep working", but with a sense of continuation.

keep performing

Focuses on the continuation of specific actions.

uphold function

Suggests maintaining a standard of performance.

retain its function

Emphasizes the preservation of an inherent capability.

proceed to work

Highlights the act of proceeding with operations.

FAQs

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

You can use "continue to function" to describe something that is operating without interruption. For instance, "Even with the new software update, the system will "continue to function" as expected."

What are some alternatives to "continue to function"?

Alternatives include "remain operational", "keep working", or "sustain operations", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "continues to function" or "continued to function"?

The choice depends on the tense you need. "Continues to function" is present tense, indicating an ongoing action. "Continued to function" is past tense, indicating that something functioned continuously in the past.

What does "continue to function as usual" mean?

"Continue to function as usual" means that something will operate in the same way it always has, without any changes or disruptions. For example, "After the merger, the department will "continue to function as usual"."