functioning normally

USAGE SUMMARY

"functioning normally" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person, machine, system, or process that is performing as expected or intended. For example, "The computer was functioning normally before it crashed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

People with mild cognitive impairment appear to be functioning normally, but their forgetfulness is beyond what occurs in normal aging.

The New York Times

All other channels functioning normally.

The New York Times

All communication systems on the aircraft were functioning normally.

The Guardian

Doctors said his kidneys, liver and lungs were functioning normally.

The New York Times

Even when she appears to be functioning normally, she conveys an aura of wobbly craziness.

The New York Times

The banks may be alive courtesy of taxpayers, but they are far from functioning normally.

The Guardian - Opinion

The problem now, as in 1929 to 1940, is that the economy is not functioning normally.

The New York Times

Instagram was not on the new list of officially banned sites and was functioning normally.

The Guardian

The safety board said, however, that a check of the radar showed it was functioning normally.

The New York Times

She noticed that Roza was not functioning normally when Roza was 3 1/2.

The New York Times

Another 32 were functioning normally in all but one area, and were improving in that area.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex systems, specify which aspect of the system is "functioning normally" to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Although the engine sputtered, the navigation system was functioning normally."

Common error

Avoid using "functioning normally" as a blanket statement without providing context. Instead, describe the specific functions that are working correctly. This adds clarity and credibility to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "functioning normally" primarily serves as a descriptive modifier. It indicates that a subject (whether a person, object, or system) is operating in an expected or typical manner. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "functioning normally" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a state of expected operation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. While "functioning normally" is valuable for conveying stability and assurance, it is best practice to use it with clear context and specifications to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "operating correctly" or "working properly" can be considered for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operating correctly

Replaces "functioning" with "operating" to focus on the mechanical or procedural aspect of normalcy.

working properly

Uses "working" for a simpler, more direct way to describe normal function.

performing as expected

Shifts the focus to meeting anticipated performance standards.

in good working order

Emphasizes the state of being in a condition for proper function.

running smoothly

Suggests a lack of problems or interruptions in the function.

in normal operation

Uses a more technical term to indicate a condition of a system or machine in its standard operating mode.

within normal parameters

Highlights that the performance or function is within acceptable or standard limits.

up to par

Idiomatic expression indicating that something is meeting the required standard or expectation.

as it should be

Emphasizes the expected state or condition, implying that everything is in its rightful place.

in full swing

Indicates that something is active and fully operational, typically at its peak.

FAQs

How can I use "functioning normally" in a sentence?

You can use "functioning normally" to describe anything that is operating as expected. For example, "The economy is "functioning normally"" or "His kidneys are "functioning normally" after the transplant".

What are some alternatives to saying "functioning normally"?

Some alternatives to "functioning normally" include "operating correctly", "working properly", or "performing as expected" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "functioning normally and properly"?

While not strictly incorrect, saying "functioning normally and properly" can be redundant. "Functioning normally" already implies that something is working as it should, so adding "properly" might be unnecessary. Choose one or the other for conciseness.

What does it mean when someone says a market is "functioning normally"?

When someone says a market is "functioning normally", it typically means that supply and demand are balanced, prices are stable, and there's no unusual volatility or disruption. This suggests a healthy and efficient economic environment.