in a mode

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a mode" is a perfectly valid sentence construction in written English.
It is most commonly used to indicate an emotional or behavioral state and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For example, "The teenager was in a rebellious mode, refusing to obey her parents' orders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Mr. McLaughlin, who lives in New Haven, paints in a mode lying between abstraction and realism.

The New York Times

"We're in a mode of listening to what the South Koreans say," the official said.

The New York Times

There are glimpses of his usual wit, but in a mode more aleatoric than logical.

The New Yorker

During operation in A mode, settings will not be displayed in the viewfinder.

The New York Times - Tech

We were really in a mode in that game where we couldn't make mistakes.

The New York Times - Sports

As the Obama era ends, we're in a mode of two steps back.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

It can move 5 feet horizontally and 18 inches vertically when functioning in "A-mode".

Wikipedia

Its movement is controlled by 19 actuators (when functioning in "A-mode", its full mode of operation).

Wikipedia

Lecaplain, C., Grelu, P., Soto-Crespo, J. M. & Akhmediev, N. Dissipative rogue waves generated by chaotic pulse bunching in a mode-locked laser.

Nature

The fidelity of a coherent link between optical and microwave frequencies is largely determined by noise processes in a mode-locked femtosecond laser.

Stanford University

After a bottleneck, the rarest alleles were rapidly lost, resulting in a mode-shift distortion (Table  1).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a mode" to clearly define the operational state or emotional disposition within a specific context. For instance, "The system operates in a safe mode" or "She was in a reflective mode after the conversation."

Common error

Avoid overuse of "in a mode" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler, more direct language would suffice. Instead of saying "I'm in a mode of relaxation", consider "I'm relaxing" or "I'm feeling relaxed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a mode" primarily functions as an adjunct, modifying a verb or clause to describe the state, manner, or condition in which an action is performed or a situation exists. This aligns with Ludwig's finding that it commonly denotes an emotional or behavioral state.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a mode" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe a state, condition, or manner of operation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across varied contexts, from describing emotional states to technical operations. It is observed most frequently in news, scientific, and academic sources, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While it's generally acceptable, it's wise to avoid overuse in informal settings where more direct language might be appropriate. Alternatives like "in a state" or "in a condition" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a state

Replaces "mode" with "state", focusing on the condition or situation.

in a condition

Similar to "in a state", but emphasizes the physical or functional status.

in a manner

Shifts the focus to the way something is done or experienced.

in the process of

Indicates an ongoing action or development.

operating under

Implies a set of rules, conditions, or parameters that define the current action.

functioning as

Emphasizes the role or purpose something is currently fulfilling.

in the character of

Highlights the specific attributes or qualities being displayed.

under the influence of

Suggests external factors that are affecting the current state.

experiencing

Directly focuses on the subjective feeling or condition.

displaying

Highlights the outward presentation or behavior indicative of a state.

FAQs

How can I use "in a mode" in a sentence?

Use "in a mode" to describe a state or condition someone or something is experiencing. For instance, "The device is operating in a test mode" or "He was in a contemplative mode after reading the book".

What phrases are similar to "in a mode"?

Alternatives include "in a state", "in a condition", or "in a manner", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "in a mode" formal or informal?

"In a mode" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "in a state" or "under the influence of" might be preferred in highly professional or academic writing.

When should I avoid using "in a mode"?

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "in a mode" in casual conversations where simpler language is more appropriate. For example, instead of "I'm in a mode of working", say "I'm working".