had ceased to function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had ceased to function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has stopped working or is no longer operational, often in a past context. Example: "The old computer had ceased to function, leaving me unable to complete my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The house gets all dark and quiet — it's as if time had ceased to function.

The New Yorker

He underwent surgery to remove his gallbladder, which had ceased to function.

The Washington Post

The council, he said, had "ceased to function" and its guidelines had "ceased to apply".

The Economist

Wooden beams were deteriorating, gutters had ceased to function and walls were cracking.

The New York Times

It was wound up in 2011 after the IRA decommissioned most of its illegal arsenal amid promises that the organisation had ceased to function as a military force.

The Guardian

I would have just done what I always did: tug at her hand, like at the string of a talking doll that had ceased to function.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"Our board has ceased to function effectively".

The New York Times

When the brain stem has ceased to function?

Encyclopedia Britannica

Somehow this house, this family home that we built up has ceased to function.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Perhaps, then, it should come as no surprise that the old swingometer has ceased to function.

The Guardian - Opinion

The local currency is worthless, so swathes of public services have ceased to function.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had ceased to function" to describe situations where something previously working is now inactive or broken. It's more formal than "stopped working" and suitable for professional or academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "had ceased to function" in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "stopped working" or "broke down" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had ceased to function" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something which previously worked or operated no longer does so. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and usable in written English. It is often used to describe the state of systems, organizations, or even physical objects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had ceased to function" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express that something previously operational has stopped working. It is suitable for formal and technical contexts, offering a more precise alternative to simpler phrases like "stopped working". Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While frequently found in news and media sources, its application extends to scientific and encyclopedic writing, making it a versatile choice for describing a variety of non-operational states. When choosing alternatives, consider the context and desired level of formality to ensure the most appropriate expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had stopped working

This is a more straightforward and commonly used alternative, suitable for everyday contexts.

had become inoperative

This alternative is more formal and technical, often used in legal or official settings.

was no longer operational

A more descriptive phrase, highlighting the lack of current operation.

had broken down

Implies a sudden and often unexpected failure, especially for machinery or systems.

had become defunct

Indicates a complete end to operation or existence, often used for organizations or systems.

had failed

A general term indicating a lack of success or proper functioning.

had shut down

Suggests a deliberate or forced cessation of activity.

had gone out of service

Implies a planned or scheduled removal from operation, often for maintenance or replacement.

had lapsed

Used when something gradually stops or comes to an end.

had become inactive

Indicates a state of dormancy or lack of activity, rather than a complete failure.

FAQs

What does "had ceased to function" mean?

The phrase "had ceased to function" means that something used to work or operate but has stopped doing so. It implies a state of inactivity or failure.

When is it appropriate to use "had ceased to function"?

This phrase is suitable for formal writing, technical reports, and situations where a more precise and sophisticated vocabulary is required. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

What can I say instead of "had ceased to function"?

You can use alternatives like "had stopped working", "had become inoperative", or "had broken down" depending on the specific context.

Is "had ceased to function" grammatically correct?

Yes, "had ceased to function" is grammatically correct. It uses the past perfect tense to describe an action that was completed before a specific point in the past.