function autonomously

USAGE SUMMARY

"function autonomously" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a machine or system that can do something independently without any outside interference or help. For example, "The new robot was designed to function autonomously, relieving the need for human input."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

The recent discovery of these distinct and multipotent cell populations of the pilosebaceous unit provokes the question for their functional significance and if they function autonomously under physiological conditions during tissue homoeostasis.

EMBO Journal

Mast is being developed with research funding from the Ministry of Defence's science and technology laboratory, to explore how well such vessels function autonomously.

The Guardian

Once all these unmanned tanks, planes and subs are built, the plan is to link them together -- and have them function autonomously as one gigantic and lethal distributed-computing system.

The New York Times - Magazine

There are intense rivalries between Shia militias who function autonomously of the state and Kurdish peshmerga and between these actors and the Iraqi security forces, which answer to the Baghdad government.

The Guardian - Opinion

By contrast, rivals such as John Wren at Omnicom and the recently retired Phil Geier at Interpublic have been fairly passive bosses of holding companies that let their operating businesses function autonomously.Sir Martin's hands-on style has mostly brought benefits.

The Economist

When engineered in plants, riboswitches can function autonomously to modulate gene expression.

Trends in Plant Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"Our robot functions autonomously, controlled by a computer, not a person," Dr. Ahlgren said.

The New York Times - Tech

The internet of things will help us by functioning autonomously, creating self-aware systems out of our existing real-world objects that will now monitor and improve our environment.

The Guardian

A McRAIT controller should also be able to perform all functions autonomously.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Today, drones can perform some basic functions autonomously, but when it comes to avoiding obstacles, they are still pretty dumb.

TechCrunch

The term agent is used here to describe the software that functions autonomously and continuously, while it has the ability to communicate with other agents.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technological systems, use "function autonomously" to emphasize the system's capability to make decisions and operate independently without human intervention.

Common error

Avoid using "function autonomously" when describing systems that require frequent or significant human oversight. Reserve this phrase for truly self-reliant operations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "function autonomously" acts as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how something operates. It indicates a state of self-governance or independent operation, as affirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "function autonomously" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It describes the ability of something to operate independently without external control and is commonly found in scientific and journalistic contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the subject genuinely exhibits self-reliance to avoid overstating its capabilities. Remember that while it is often associated with complex systems, it can apply to any entity capable of self-governance. Using alternatives such as "operate independently" or "perform automatically" can provide nuanced differences in meaning, depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

execute tasks autonomously

Specifically refers to the independent execution of predefined tasks.

operate independently

Focuses on independent operation rather than inherent design for autonomy.

maintain independent operation

Focuses on the continuation of autonomous function over time.

work without supervision

Highlights the lack of need for oversight, shifting the focus from the system itself to its operational context.

perform automatically

Emphasizes automated action, potentially lacking the nuanced decision-making implied by autonomy.

self-govern

Implies a degree of internal control and regulation, suitable for describing organizational or biological processes.

self-manage

Highlights the ability to internally organize and control its operations.

act on its own

Simplifies the concept to basic independent action, useful in less technical contexts.

run without intervention

Stresses the absence of external interaction needed for continued operation.

be self-sufficient

Highlights the capacity to meet its own needs without external assistance.

FAQs

How can I use "function autonomously" in a sentence?

You can use "function autonomously" to describe a system, machine, or entity that operates independently. For instance, "The drone can "function autonomously" once the flight path is programmed".

What are some alternatives to saying "function autonomously"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "operate independently", "work without supervision", or "perform automatically".

Is it correct to say "functions autonomously" instead of "function autonomously"?

Yes, "functions autonomously" is correct when referring to a singular subject. For example, "The robot "functions autonomously"". The phrase "function autonomously" is used in a more general sense or when referring to a plural subject.

What does it mean for a system to "function autonomously"?

When a system "functions autonomously", it means it can operate and make decisions without human intervention. It has the capacity to self-govern and adapt to changing conditions.