functioning together

USAGE SUMMARY

"functioning together" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to describe when two or more entities work together in a harmonious way. For example, "The whole team was functioning together, each person lending their skills to the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The last two months have produced the unaccustomed sight of the two sides functioning together with notable comfort and competence as legislators.

The New York Times

Harvard and MIT have gone a considerable distance toward an end that has sometimes been predicted for them - that of functioning together as "The University of Cambridge".

The New Yorker

Neuroendocrine homeostatic systems can involve the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, and an end-organ or target tissues functioning together as an axis.

Handbook of Neuroendocrinology

"I do see the bigger picture of what the team is doing and how they are functioning together, and I think the two strikers [Garner and Davies], at this moment in time, are a handful for anybody.

BBC

We are a strange bunch: Thirty addicts living and functioning together as Hope's community.

Vice

We are a strange bunch: 30 addicts living and functioning together as Hope's community.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Therefore, many miRNAs may function together via co-targeting to regulate functionally related genes or pathways.

BMC Genomics

"We have to function together as a crew," Mr. Stowe said.

The New York Times - Style

They functioned together as a well-organized whole, dividing up the tasks without regard to their own welfare.

The New Yorker

When Vaughn and Zurich are finished at Rutgers, Stringer said, "We're completely gutted, because Kia and Heather function together".

The New York Times - Sports

The European Union, whatever its faults, and burdensome bureaucracy, represents a new way for nations to function together.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "functioning together", ensure the context clearly defines the entities involved and the nature of their interaction. This promotes clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "functioning together" in contexts where the specific mechanism or benefit of the combined function is unclear. Provide specific details to enhance the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "functioning together" primarily functions as a gerund phrase, often used to describe a state or activity involving coordinated action among multiple entities. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples from Ludwig showcase its use in describing teams, biological systems, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "functioning together" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes coordinated activity or collaboration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and appropriate across diverse contexts. Its primary function is to describe how entities—be they people, systems, or components—work harmoniously to achieve a common goal. While more prevalent in scientific and technical domains, the phrase also appears in news and general knowledge sources, making it suitable for neutral to formal communication. When employing "functioning together", clarity is key, and specifying the entities and interactions involved helps avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operating in unison

This alternative emphasizes a higher degree of harmony and synchronization in the operation.

collaborating effectively

This phrase highlights the collaborative aspect and the positive outcome of the collaboration.

working cooperatively

Similar to 'collaborating effectively', this emphasizes the cooperative nature of the work.

cooperating seamlessly

This alternative underscores the smooth and effortless nature of the cooperation.

integrating harmoniously

This emphasizes the integration of different elements in a way that produces harmony.

coordinating efficiently

Focuses on the efficient coordination of activities to achieve a common goal.

acting in concert

This phrase implies a coordinated action, often used in formal or artistic contexts.

performing jointly

Highlights the joint performance of a task or activity.

teaming up successfully

This alternative emphasizes the successful aspect of teamwork.

co-existing constructively

This phrase indicates an amicable and beneficial co-existence.

FAQs

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

You can use "functioning together" to describe how different components or individuals work in coordination. For instance, "The team members were functioning together effectively to meet the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "functioning together"?

Alternatives include "operating in unison", "collaborating effectively", or "working cooperatively", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "functioning together" or "working together"?

While both phrases are similar, "functioning together" often implies a more integrated and coordinated interaction, whereas "working together" can refer to a broader range of collaborative efforts. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Can "functioning together" be used to describe both people and systems?

Yes, "functioning together" is versatile and can be applied to both people (e.g., a team, a family) and systems (e.g., a computer network, an ecosystem) to describe coordinated activity.