did not function properly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not function properly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something, such as a device or system, failed to operate as intended. Example: "The software update was supposed to improve performance, but it did not function properly, causing several issues for users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The badge-printing computers did not function properly.

The Guardian

And in high-income neighborhoods, 12.5percentt of pay phones did not function properly.

The New York Times

Citigroup acknowledged yesterday that its risk management models did not function properly during this summer's credit crisis, contributing to the company's 57percentt drop in third-quarter profit.

The New York Times

The audit also says that the Computer Aided Dispatch system, which is supposed to show the caller's phone number and location, did not function properly 35percentt of the time.

The New York Times

Perhaps the glitches were foreshadowed from the beginning, when one of the four arms of the Olympic caldron did not function properly during the climactic moment of the opening ceremony.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, the final stage of the two-stage rocket began tumbling, and then the simple mechanism that was supposed to release the kill vehicle from the booster did not function properly, said Lt. Col. Rick Lehner, a spokesman for the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Their product didn't function properly, and then word got out that Orbcomm didn't work.

The New York Times

The once brilliant scholar found that his brain just didn't function properly.

The New York Times

"Basically there were leaks, loose bricks, elevators that didn't function properly, an unreliable heating system and other structural problems," said Aury Bennett Stollow, who has been the tenants' lawyer for 20 years.

The New York Times

He identified cells whose transport machinery didn't function properly, causing the vesicles to pile up in the cell, and identified the mutated genes responsible for those problems a discovery that helped understand how intracellular traffic works under normal circumstances.

Science Magazine

When the costly machines didn't function properly during tests, the bureau had to abandon them.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical issues, ensure that you clearly specify what "did not function properly" and the consequences of the malfunction. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "did not function properly" as a standalone statement without providing additional context. Always clarify the specific issue and impact to ensure clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not function properly" primarily serves as a predicate in sentences. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It describes a state of malfunction or failure, indicating that something isn't operating as it should. For example, "The badge-printing computers did not function properly."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "did not function properly" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a state of malfunction or failure. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news, scientific, and formal business domains. While slightly more formal than alternatives like "did not work properly", it maintains a neutral register. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specify what "did not function properly" and explain the consequences. Common alternatives include "malfunctioned", "failed to operate correctly", and "did not work as intended". Remember to provide sufficient context to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

malfunctioned

Uses a single verb to replace the entire phrase, implying a failure to function correctly.

failed to operate correctly

Replaces "function properly" with a more formal phrase, emphasizing the incorrect operation.

did not work as intended

Focuses on the discrepancy between the intended function and the actual outcome.

was out of order

Indicates a temporary or permanent state of being non-functional, often used for machines or systems.

experienced a malfunction

Highlights the occurrence of a malfunction, shifting the focus to the event rather than the state.

ceased to function

Implies a complete stop in functionality, suggesting a more severe failure.

was not operating effectively

Focuses on the efficiency of the operation, implying that it was working but not well.

was defective

Indicates an inherent flaw or imperfection that prevented proper functioning.

was impaired

Suggests a reduction in functionality, implying that it was still working to some extent.

performed suboptimally

Highlights that the function occurred, but below the quality standard.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "did not function properly"?

Alternatives include "malfunctioned", "failed to operate correctly", or "did not work as intended", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "did not function properly"?

Yes, "did not function properly" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe something that isn't working as it should.

How can I use "did not function properly" in a sentence?

Example: "The software update was supposed to improve performance, but it did not function properly, causing several issues for users."

What's the difference between "did not function properly" and "did not work properly"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Function" is slightly more formal than "work", but in most contexts, they convey the same meaning.