in operation

USAGE SUMMARY

"in operation" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is currently in the process of running or being performed. For example: "The new hospital wing has been in operation since the beginning of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They remain in operation.

The New York Times

They watched it in operation.

The New Yorker

The other two reactors remain in operation.

The New York Times

American parochialism in operation.

The New York Times

Today only four are in operation.

The Economist

In Operation a Week.

The New York Times

An austerity spiral is in operation.

The New York Times

The SolarClave system in operation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Road closures are in operation.

The Guardian

Today, 15 are in operation.

The New York Times

All are still in operation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in operation" to clearly indicate that a system, process, or piece of equipment is currently functioning as intended.

Common error

Do not use "in operation" when the context already implies functionality. For example, instead of saying "the working machine is in operation", simply say "the machine is working".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in operation" typically functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the noun (system, machine, etc.) is currently active and functioning. As Ludwig AI suggests, it accurately describes a current state of activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in operation" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is currently active and functioning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general discourse. Its primary function is to convey the active status of a system or process. While "in operation" is versatile, it's essential to avoid redundancy and ensure that the context warrants its usage. Alternatives such as ""functioning"", ""running"", and ""operational"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, indicating its relevance in reporting on current events and ongoing processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operational

Formal synonym, stressing the readiness and capability to perform.

functioning

Single-word substitute; focuses solely on the act of performing a function.

running

Implies a continuous process, often related to machinery or programs.

active

Highlights a state of being engaged in activity, not necessarily a specific function.

working

Suggests that something is in a state where it is performing its intended task.

in action

Highlights that something or someone is currently performing or executing a task.

operative

Similar to functioning, but may also imply something is strategically in place.

in service

Indicates that something is available and ready for use or action.

in effect

Indicates that a rule, law, or system is currently valid and being applied.

in play

Suggests something is actively involved or having an effect in a particular situation.

FAQs

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

Use "in operation" to describe something that is currently active or functioning. For example, "The factory has been "operational" since last year."

What are some alternatives to "in operation"?

Alternatives include "functioning", "running", or "active", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the system is in operation now"?

Yes, "The system is in operation now" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate that a system is currently active and working.

What is the difference between "in operation" and ""operational""?

"In operation" is a phrase, while ""operational"" is an adjective. Both convey a similar meaning, but "in operation" often describes the state of something, whereas ""operational"" describes a capability or condition. You can say "the machine is in operation", or "the machine is "operational"".