in working condition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in working condition" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an item or equipment that is functioning properly and is ready for use. Example: "The used car is in working condition, making it a great option for someone looking for an affordable vehicle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Or we will sell the phone in working condition to another refurbishing company".

The New York Times

My drum rider simply says: "any size, any brand, in working condition.

The New Yorker

Old computers in working condition are available at no charge to those who need them.

The New York Times

Many of the shells are in working condition, and they are small and easily transportable.

The New York Times

The Apple-1, Mr. Hatfield said, was not then in working condition.

The New York Times

"When police claimed to recover it, it was not in working condition.

The New York Times

The building is now in working condition, but the inmates are not coming back.

The New York Times

Each day at school, Qadri is accompanied by a nurse who makes sure that his backpack is in working condition.

The New York Times

If money were no object, then we would all be able to have good computers in working condition.

The New York Times

For now, NASA wants to make sure that what is already up stays up in working condition.

The New York Times - Science

I worked on it on the jetway bridge, and I got it back to the man in working condition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the condition of equipment or items, use "in working condition" to clearly communicate that they are functioning properly and ready for use. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in technical or descriptive writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in working condition" as a catch-all phrase. Be specific about what aspects of an item are functioning correctly. For example, instead of saying "The device is in working condition", specify "The device is in working condition, but the battery life is limited."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in working condition" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the state or condition of something, indicating that it is functioning properly and ready for use. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in working condition" is a versatile and frequently used adjective phrase that describes the operational status of an item or system. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears across diverse contexts, from news reports and scientific papers to wikis. Its primary function is descriptive, informing the audience that something is functional and ready for use. When using this phrase, ensure that you specify what aspects are functional to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "functional" or "operational" can be used for variety, but "in working condition" offers clarity and directness, making it a reliable choice in many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Functional

This is a single-word adjective that directly describes something capable of performing its intended function.

Operational

Suggests readiness for use and ability to perform necessary tasks, often used in technical or formal contexts.

In good repair

Emphasizes that something has been maintained or fixed and is currently in a suitable state for use.

In running order

Implies a state of continuous operation and readiness, suitable for machinery and systems.

Serviceable

Indicates that something is fit for purpose and can be used effectively, even if it's not in perfect condition.

Up and running

Describes a state of being fully functional and actively operating, often after a setup or repair process.

In proper working order

A more emphatic way of saying something is functioning correctly and according to specifications.

Fully functional

Highlights the completeness of the functionality, ensuring all features are working as expected.

Ready for use

Focuses on the immediate usability of something, indicating it's prepared and available when needed.

Fit for purpose

Indicates that something is suitable and meets the requirements for its intended use or application.

FAQs

How can I use "in working condition" in a sentence?

You can use "in working condition" to describe items or equipment that are functioning properly. For instance, "The donated computer was still "in working condition", so we were able to donate it to the local school."

What are some alternatives to saying "in working condition"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "functional", "operational", or "in good repair" to convey a similar meaning.

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

While "in good condition" often implies proper functionality, using ""in working condition"" specifies that the item is not only well-maintained but also functions as intended. Using "in good and working condition" can be acceptable for emphasis but is sometimes seen as slightly redundant.

What's the difference between "in working condition" and "in working order"?

"In working condition" generally describes the state of an item, while "in working order" often refers to the system or arrangement that allows the item to function properly. They are often interchangeable, but "in working order" might imply a more complex setup.