functioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "functioning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as either a noun or an adjective. As a noun, it might refer to the way in which something works, e.g. "The functioning of the engine was checked"; or it might refer to someone's ability to do a task, e.g. "The patient's functioning has greatly improved since the operation". As an adjective, it might refer to something working properly, e.g. "The functioning of the printer is still affected by the problem"; or it might refer to someone who is able to do tasks despite difficulties, e.g. "The patient is still functioning despite the complications".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Close observers of his military say Syria is having trouble keeping its sophisticated and maintenance-intensive weapons functioning.

The New York Times

Whichever view you take, multicultural and tolerant or disapproving and fearful, the awkward fact is that we have not been breeding fast enough (or young enough) to keep society functioning without outside help, let alone educating ourselves to the levels a post-industrial economy is going to need.

The Guardian

"We started funding this last November because we were seeing a situation where the Rainbo centres were providing access to courts, but if the courts were not functioning well, we were leaving these women at a loss," says Walsh.

The Guardian

Perhaps, however, the reality is that people farming is like investing in the Titanic: a good idea in theory, glossy and wonderful to look at upon completion, but doomed when it comes to reality of actually functioning effectively.

The Guardian - Opinion

While she has missed just about every mark on the schoolwork journey, she is highly functioning in her social life.

The Guardian - Opinion

People with other diseases and women in childbirth are at risk because hospitals are no longer functioning properly.

The Guardian

There are no beaches on this stretch of coast, so tourism has passed Marano by, and it remains a functioning port, with 300 of its 2,000 inhabitants still working as fishermen.

The Guardian - Travel

Too much meaning and an academic might just stop functioning.

The Guardian

In a letter to the university, seen by The Guardian, she writes: "These are practices which I'm sure you will agree are unacceptable in any workplace and which an institution such as UCL should be doing all it can to stamp out in any location that it is functioning, even if the individuals concerned are not direct employees of the college".

The Guardian

Over time, the name has lost its punny puckishness much as the movement has steadily shifted from a proudly anacharical – even populist – response and rebellion within the GOP to a smoothly functioning alternative to it.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the case of two major sponsors, this meant imbuing them with evangelical Christianity, and in another famous case it meant having a fully functioning stock-exchange trading floor in the basement, to show pupils what really matters, which is, of course, making lots of money.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system or process, use "functioning" to emphasize its operational status. For instance, "a functioning democracy" implies the system is actively operating as intended.

Common error

Avoid using "functioning" in excessively long or convoluted sentences where a simpler word like "working" would suffice. Clarity is key.

Linguistic Context

The term "functioning" serves primarily as a verb, specifically the present participle of the verb 'function'. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English. It describes the action or state of something working or operating, as demonstrated in examples such as "hospitals are no longer functioning properly".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "functioning" is a versatile term used to describe the state of being operational or working correctly. As Ludwig AI points out, it can serve as both a noun and an adjective, and is widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media. This guide has provided insights into its grammatical status, frequency, and common usage patterns. Related phrases like "in operation" or "working properly" offer alternative ways to express similar meanings. Remember to use "functioning" to emphasize the operational status of a system or process, and avoid overly complex sentences where simpler words may suffice. By avoiding these errors and following best practices, you can effectively use the word "functioning" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in operation

Focuses on the state of being active and working.

working properly

Emphasizes the correctness of the function.

in working order

Highlights the condition of being ready for use.

operative

Indicates being in effect or operation.

performing

Focuses on the action of carrying out a task.

running

Implies continuous operation.

active

Denotes a state of being engaged in action.

utilizable

Highlights the usability of something.

capable of operating

Specifies the ability to perform a function.

serviceable

Focuses on the ability to provide a service.

FAQs

How to use "functioning" in a sentence?

You can use "functioning" to describe something that is working correctly. For example, "The hospital needs more resources to remain "in operation"".

What can I say instead of "functioning"?

You can use alternatives like "in working order", "operative", or "active" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "functioning" or "functional"?

"Functioning" describes the state of something currently working, while "functional" describes something designed to be useful or practical. They are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "functioning" and "performing"?

"Functioning" generally indicates that something is in operation, while "performing" suggests that it is actively carrying out a specific task or duty. For example, a car may be "functioning" correctly, but it is only "performing" when it is being driven.