is inoperative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is inoperative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not functioning or is not currently in effect. Example: "The old machinery is inoperative and needs to be repaired before we can continue production."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Military Intelligence: A printed placard outside the telephone booth in the PX at Ramey Field, Puerto Rico, says "If this telephone is inoperative or does….

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, May 18 , 1957P. 24 Military Intelligence: A printed placard outside the telephone booth in the PX at Ramey Field, Puerto Rico, says "If this telephone is inoperative or does not work properly, call No. 9807".

The New Yorker

Military Intelligence: A printed placard outside the telephone booth in the PX at Ramey Field, Puerto Rico, says "If this telephone is inoperative or does not work properly, call No. 9807".

The New Yorker

Whirr... Click! 'I'm sorry, the government you have elected is inoperative …' Click! 'Inoperative!'" Sigue Sigue Sputnik – Hack Attack Overhyped, then critically reviled at the time, but the B-side to Love Missile F1-11 sounds pretty good now, channelling Suicide and Detroit techno.

The Guardian - Music

By Alice Jones and St. Clair McKelway The New Yorker, May 18 , 1957P. 24 Military Intelligence: A printed placard outside the telephone booth in the PX at Ramey Field, Puerto Rico, says "If this telephone is inoperative or does not work properly, call No. 9807".

The New Yorker

Sewing machine attachments are jigs and fixtures used with sewing machines to decrease downtime (the time a machine is inoperative) and thus increase productivity by getting the fabric to the needle, aligning and repositioning fabric under the needle, or extracting and disposing of the sewed materials sooner.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Previous assumptions are inoperative.

The New York Times

Yes, some of the burglar alarms on the glass cases had been inoperative for years.

The New York Times

Further testing showed that seven of the eight human V1r genes are inoperative.

The New York Times

The three nations remained formal parties to the treaty, but in practical terms ANZUS was inoperative from then on.

Encyclopedia Britannica

TAM has acknowledged that one of the two thrust reversers, used to slow planes during landings, was inoperative.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the status of equipment or systems, use "is inoperative" to convey a temporary or correctable state of non-function. For more permanent conditions, consider "is non-functional" or "is irreparable".

Common error

Avoid using "is inoperative" in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "isn't working" or "is broken" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is inoperative" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a noun. It indicates that the subject is not currently functioning or in effect. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is inoperative" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression indicating a state of non-functionality or legal invalidity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, its formality may render it unsuitable for casual conversation. Remember to choose simpler alternatives like "is not working" or "is out of order" in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is non-functional

This is a more technical and formal way of saying something isn't working.

is not functioning

Similar to "is not working" but slightly more formal.

is not working

This alternative is a more common and less formal way to express that something isn't functioning.

is disabled

This suggests that something has been intentionally deactivated or made non-operational.

has ceased to function

A more formal and emphatic way of saying something has stopped working.

is out of order

This phrase is typically used for machines or equipment that are temporarily not functioning.

is broken

This alternative implies that something is damaged and cannot be used.

is invalid

This phrase is used when something is not legally or officially recognized.

is ineffective

This indicates that something is not producing the desired result.

is suspended

This suggests a temporary halt in operation or validity.

FAQs

What does "is inoperative" mean?

The phrase "is inoperative" means something is not working or functioning, or is no longer legally binding.

What can I say instead of "is inoperative"?

You can use alternatives like "is not working", "is out of order", or "is non-functional" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is inoperative"?

It is appropriate to use "is inoperative" in formal or technical contexts when describing equipment, systems, or legal agreements that are not currently functioning or in effect.

Is there a difference between "is inoperative" and "is broken"?

While both indicate something is not working, "is inoperative" often suggests a temporary or correctable issue, whereas "is broken" implies damage that may be more permanent.