does not function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not working or operating as intended. Example: "The machine does not function properly, leading to frequent breakdowns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It still does not function.

The New York Times

But Nawaz says the intelligence agency does not function independently.

The Washington Post

But pension fund socialism does not function fully as yet.

Harvard Business Review

In niches and corners the theory does not function reliably.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Even the SCO does not function altogether smoothly.

The Economist

"Pain perception probably does not function before the third trimester," concluded Rosen, the review's senior author.

The New York Times - Magazine

"In Haiti, the public administration does not function, it's a real problem.

The Guardian

The implication was that AID does not function alone to target and deaminate these substrates.

Nature

Some of them, however, now live with heart failure a heart that does not function well.

Harvard University

This antibody does not function like a normal antibody and cannot help your body fight infections.

Columbia University

And for that reason Marxism does not function well in analyzing real companies in real markets.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex systems, specify which component "does not function" to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "the system does not function", say "the cooling system does not function".

Common error

Avoid using "does not function" when simpler alternatives like "isn't working" or "is broken" are more appropriate, especially in informal contexts. This can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not function" primarily serves as a verb phrase expressing the negation of an action or state of operability. It's used to indicate that something is not working as intended or is completely inoperative. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not function" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something isn't working correctly or at all. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's commonly employed across various contexts, from formal scientific reports to news articles. While simpler alternatives may exist for informal settings, "does not function" provides a clear and direct way to communicate a lack of operational capability, most common in Science, News & Media and Academia. Remember to be specific when describing complex systems and avoid overuse in simple contexts for a more natural writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is non-functional

Replaces the verb "function" with its adjectival form, implying a state of being unable to perform its intended task.

is inoperative

A more formal term signifying a lack of operational capability.

is out of order

A common idiom indicating a temporary or permanent state of malfunction.

is not working

A simple and direct way to express that something is not operating correctly.

fails to operate

Emphasizes the failure to perform a specific action or task.

ceases to function

Implies a complete and often abrupt halt in operation.

is malfunctioning

Highlights the presence of an error or fault in the operation.

is defective

Indicates an inherent flaw or imperfection that prevents proper functioning.

is broken

A general term for something that is damaged and no longer working.

is disabled

Suggests that something has been intentionally made inoperable.

FAQs

How can I use "does not function" in a sentence?

You can use "does not function" to describe something that is not working or operating as intended. For example, "The machine "does not function" properly, leading to frequent breakdowns."

What are some alternatives to "does not function"?

Alternatives include "is non-functional", "is out of order", or "is not working", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "does not function" or "isn't working"?

"Does not function" is more formal and suitable for technical or professional contexts, while "isn't working" is more casual and appropriate for everyday conversation. The best choice depends on your audience and the situation.

What is the difference between "does not function" and "malfunctions"?

"Does not function" is a general statement indicating a lack of operation, while "malfunctions" implies that something is operating incorrectly or with errors. "The device "does not function"" means it's not working at all. "The device malfunctions" means it's working, but not correctly.