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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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is only operational

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is only operational" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is functioning or active, but perhaps not fully developed or comprehensive. Example: "The new software is only operational in its basic form, with more features to be added in future updates."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

As a series configuration, the subsystem is only operational if both components are operable.

Since two components are connected in series, the storage system is only operational if both the battery bank and the charge controller are fully operational.

While it is only operational in Southeast Asia, its global presence spans R&D locations in Seattle and Beijing, while it is planning to create an office in India where it will develop its mobile payment platform.

News & Media

TechCrunch

Note, by definition, choice is only operational for electives, so it is only elective procedures that provide any quality incentives to hospitals.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

At the start in 2007, the clinic was only operational once a week on Mondays, and later increasing operations to five days a week in 2008 with an expanded team of nurses, clinical officers and counselors.

Diamonds are from SEPA Osiris units, which were only operational for part of the study period.

It was only operational for six years before being replaced, and very little is now known about the structure.

Yet the Safeguard Program was only operational for less than a year in the mid-1970s before the Defense Department, concerned about the program's cost and effectiveness, pulled the plug.

News & Media

Vice

The Positive Train Control technology is supposed to be installed on U.S. freight and commuter lines by the end of the year, but according to the January/February newsletter, it was only operational on 400 miles of track.

News & Media

Huffington Post

At present these methods are only operational against mosquito immatures [ 2- 5], the best known being the use of Bacillus thuringiensis var.

River bathing sites should not be located near or closely downstream of potential sewage spillways, even if those are only operational on occasion.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is only operational", be specific about what aspects are functional and what limitations exist. This provides clarity and avoids potential misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "is only operational" when the subject is completely non-functional. Ensure that at least some part of the system or process is actively working.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.3/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is only operational" functions as a qualifier, indicating that a system, service, or process has limited functionality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable. It is often used to set expectations about the scope or capabilities of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is only operational" serves as a qualifier, indicating limited or partial functionality. Grammatically correct and suitable for neutral to professional registers, it frequently appears in science, news, and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-formed. For clearer writing, specify the precise limitations or scope when using this phrase and consider alternatives like "is merely functional" or "is partially functional" for nuanced emphasis.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is only operational" to emphasize limitations?

You can use phrases like "is merely functional", "is partially functional", or "is barely working" to highlight restricted functionality.

What's the difference between "is only operational" and "is fully operational"?

"Is only operational" indicates that something is functioning but may have limitations or incomplete features, while "is fully operational" implies that something is functioning completely and without any restrictions.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "is only operational"?

It's appropriate when describing a system, service, or process that is active but not yet complete, fully functional, or available everywhere. You could use "is only operational" to describe a new software feature, a pilot program, or a service with limited geographic availability.

What are some synonyms for "is only operational"?

Synonyms include "is just active", "is partly running", and "is solely operative", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.3/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: