continuing to function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continuing to function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the ongoing operation or performance of something, such as a system, device, or organization. Example: "Despite the challenges faced, the software is continuing to function without any major issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Its feat in continuing to function despite overwhelming obstacles was part of the event's high drama.

The New York Times - Books

When a love affair ends, you know that they're still alive, that they're continuing to function.

The Guardian - Film

We believe it is continuing to function as a labor organization.

The New York Times - Sports

For now but probably not for much longer, Brown remains in 10 Downing Street, and the Labour government is continuing to function.

The New Yorker

"We make so many assumptions about the things that we know necessarily continuing to function the way they are now," he said.

The New Yorker

Assemblies of this sort existed in most Greek city-states, continuing to function throughout the Hellenistic and Roman periods, though under the Roman Empire their powers gradually atrophied.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Congress will continue to function".

The Guardian - Opinion

Nonetheless, the United States government continued to function.

The New York Times

Other ministries continue to function without oversight.

The New York Times

The song continues to function as such.

The New Yorker

Did the university continue to function?

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "continuing to function" to describe the sustained operation of systems, organizations, or processes, especially when highlighting resilience or unexpected persistence. For example, "Despite the economic downturn, the local library is "continuing to function" as a vital community resource."

Common error

Avoid using "continuing to function" when describing simple existence or states of being. It is best suited for describing active processes. For example, instead of saying "The old chair is "continuing to function", say "The old chair is still usable."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continuing to function" acts as a participial phrase, often functioning adjectivally to describe a noun or noun phrase. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of an action or state, highlighting its persistence. According to Ludwig AI, it can be used to describe the ongoing operation or performance of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "continuing to function" is a grammatically correct and commonly used participial phrase that describes the sustained operation of something, often in challenging circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, with a neutral register. It is most frequently found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately describes an ongoing action and consider alternative phrases like "remaining operational" or "still working" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining operational

Emphasizes the state of being operational rather than the action of continuing.

maintaining functionality

Highlights the preservation of functional capabilities.

still in operation

Similar to "remaining operational" but focuses on the state of being in operation.

in continuous operation

Stresses the uninterrupted nature of the operation.

still working

A more informal way of saying that something is in operation.

reliably functioning

Focuses on the reliability of the operation.

consistently working

Highlights the consistency of the operation.

ongoing operation

Focuses on the fact that the operation is still in progress.

persistently functioning

Emphasizes the persistence of the functioning.

durable operation

Highlights that the item is built to be operational for a long amount of time.

FAQs

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

Use "continuing to function" to describe an entity or system that is operating despite challenges or expectations to the contrary. For instance, "The hospital is "continuing to function" despite the power outage".

What are some alternatives to "continuing to function"?

Alternatives include "remaining operational", "still working", or "maintaining functionality". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "continuing to function" in formal writing?

Yes, "continuing to function" is suitable for formal writing. It is clear and professional, and it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

What's the difference between "continuing to function" and "still functioning"?

"Continuing to function" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the operation, whereas "still functioning" simply indicates that something is currently working. The former implies a sense of persistence, while the latter is a more general statement of current functionality.