in good working order

USAGE SUMMARY

"in good working order" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is functioning properly and efficiently. Example: The company's computers are all in good working order, allowing employees to complete their tasks quickly and accurately.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ensure all pipe-work is in good working order.

Independent

Ensure the existing radiator works properly and is in good working order.

WikiHow

All are in good working order.

The New York Times - Food

It must be kept in good working order.

The Economist

The first line of defense, of course, is to keep appliances in good working order.

The New York Times

Most important was a far-reaching artistic influence, which is still in good working order.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm talking, of course, about the natural world itself when it was in good working order.

The Guardian - Opinion

The reports on the fire alarm systems found them in good working order.

The New York Times

So far as the coalition is concerned, Clegg is certain everything remains in good working order.

The Guardian

But it turns out this much-maligned slogan is in good working order after all.

The New York Times

He shouldn't worry; it seems to be in good working order.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the condition of equipment or systems, use "in good working order" to assure users that the item is fully functional and reliable. This phrase is suitable for technical manuals, reports, and general instructions.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice when you can use the active voice with "in good working order". Instead of saying 'The machine is ensured to be in good working order', you can say 'Ensure the machine is "in good working order"' to make the sentence more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in good working order" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing its condition. Ludwig provides examples showing it's used to specify that something is functional and properly maintained.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

38%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in good working order" is a common and correct way to describe something that is functioning properly, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's frequently used in news, wiki, and scientific contexts to assure readers of an item's reliability and proper maintenance. When writing, ensure that your language is direct and in the active voice to improve clarity and impact. While alternatives like "fully functional" or "in proper condition" exist, "in good working order" provides a balanced emphasis on both functionality and maintenance, making it a versatile choice for various communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in working order

Removes 'good', implying a basic level of functionality, which can be less emphatic.

fully functional

Focuses on the functionality aspect, omitting the implication of maintenance or repair.

in proper condition

Emphasizes the state of something being correct and suitable for use, shifting the focus from the activity of working.

operating correctly

Highlights the correctness of the operation, rather than the overall state.

functioning well

Stresses the quality of the function, rather than the maintenance or order.

serviceable

Implies that something is ready and able to provide service or function adequately.

in tip-top shape

Suggests an excellent condition, going beyond just working to being in prime condition.

in excellent condition

Focuses on the high quality of the state, which implies functionality but isn't explicit.

up and running

Specifically relates to the state of being operational, especially after a setup or repair.

ready for use

Highlights the preparedness for employment, shifting the focus from function to availability.

FAQs

How can I use "in good working order" in a sentence?

You can use "in good working order" to describe an item or system that is functioning properly. For example, 'Before the trip, make sure your vehicle's brake system is "in good working order"'.

What's a similar phrase to "in good working order"?

Similar phrases include "fully functional", "in proper condition", or "operating correctly". The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "in good and working order"?

While "in good and working order" isn't inherently wrong, it can be seen as slightly redundant. The phrase "in good order" already implies that something is functional, so adding "working" might not be necessary. Using just "in good order" or ""in good working order"" is usually clearer and more concise.

Which is correct: "ensure it is in good working order" or "ensure it is in a good working order"?

The correct phrase is "ensure it is "in good working order"". The article "a" is not needed before "good" because "working order" functions as a single, descriptive unit.