is functioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is functioning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the current operational status of a system, device, or process. Example: "The new software update is functioning as intended, providing users with improved performance and stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is there any sign that the Haitian government is functioning?

The New Yorker

Their offense is functioning.

The New York Times - Sports

The president is functioning".

The New York Times

That is functioning well.

The Guardian - Sport

The program is functioning well.

The New York Times

"The normal routine is functioning".

The Guardian

The Anglo-French axis is functioning smoothly.

The New York Times

So far he is functioning within the democratic structure".

The New York Times

Given the circumstances, this government is functioning pretty well".

The Guardian

City officials say the new system is functioning well.

The New York Times

The City Opera is functioning now without a director.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the operational status of a system or organization, use "is functioning" to convey that it is currently working as expected. For example, "Despite the challenges, the department is functioning efficiently."

Common error

Avoid unnecessarily using passive constructions with "is functioning". Instead of saying "The system is being functioned by the team", opt for a more direct and active voice: "The team is functioning the system effectively".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is functioning" primarily serves as a verbal phrase indicating the current operational state of something. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples where the phrase describes whether a system, organization, or device is working as intended.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is functioning" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is currently in operation. As Ludwig AI's analysis shows, it is used most frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business contexts. While there are alternative phrases like "is operating" or "is working", the best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. Be mindful of using active voice when possible and avoid overuse of passive constructions. Given its wide usage and clear meaning, "is functioning" is a reliable choice for describing the operational status of a system or entity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is operating

Focuses on the act of performing a specific operation or task.

is working

A more general term indicating that something is in a state of operation or activity.

is in operation

Emphasizes the state of being actively used or running.

is running

Implies continuous operation or execution.

is active

Suggests a state of being engaged or performing its intended function.

is performing

Highlights the execution of a task or duty.

is up and running

Indicates that something is fully operational and ready for use.

is in service

Suggests that something is available and ready to provide a service.

is effective

Highlights that something is not only operating but also achieving its intended result.

is productive

Implies that something is operating and yielding useful output or results.

FAQs

How can I use "is functioning" in a sentence?

You can use "is functioning" to describe something that is currently operating correctly. For example, "The new software update "is functioning" as intended."

What are some alternatives to "is functioning"?

Some alternatives include "is operating", "is working", or "is in operation", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "is functioning" or "functions"?

The choice depends on the context. "Functions" describes a general ability or characteristic, while "is functioning" describes a current state of operation. For example, "The heart functions to pump blood" versus "The heart "is functioning" normally after the surgery."

What does it mean when something "is functioning properly"?

It means that something "is functioning" in the way it was designed to, without any errors or malfunctions. For instance, "The emergency generator "is functioning" properly, providing backup power to the building."