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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
is operational
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "is operational" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is functioning or in a state of operation. Example: "The new software update is operational and ready for use by all employees."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
This source is operational.
"What we are about is operational change".
News & Media
A prototype is operational in California.
The first prototype switch is operational.
Academia
Only one of the four furnaces is operational.
News & Media
Only one of its four submarines is operational.
News & Media
Only one campus, for medical sciences, is operational.
News & Media
Not every feature is operational yet, but you can try it out at marsoweb.nas.nasa.gov.nasa.gov
News & Media
The second level of theoretical analysis is operational.
What is operational risk?
News & Media
"Wikileaks is operational.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing the status of a system or service, use "is operational" to clearly communicate that it is functioning as intended and available for use. Avoid ambiguity by specifying any limitations if applicable.
Common error
While "is operational" is generally correct, avoid using it in contexts where simpler alternatives like "is working" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound unnatural.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "is operational" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a subject. It indicates that the subject is in a working order and ready for use. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples across various contexts.
Frequent in
News & Media
37%
Science
35%
Formal & Business
19%
Less common in
Wiki
5%
Encyclopedias
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "is operational" is a versatile and commonly used term to describe something that is functioning correctly and available for its intended purpose. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the expression is grammatically sound and widely used across news, science, and business contexts. While alternatives like "is functioning" or "is in service" exist, "is operational" provides a clear and concise way to communicate that a system, service, or piece of equipment is ready for use. When using this phrase, ensure the level of formality is appropriate for your audience and context to avoid sounding unnatural.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
is functioning
Direct synonym, emphasizes the act of performing its intended function.
is in service
Suggests readiness and availability for use, often in a professional context.
is up and running
Informal, emphasizes the successful start and continuation of operation.
is active
Highlights the state of being engaged in operation or activity.
is working
Simple and direct, indicates that something is in a state of performing its function.
is ready for use
Emphasizes preparedness and availability.
is in effect
Indicates that a rule or system is currently active and being applied.
is live
Common in technology, meaning publicly accessible and functioning.
is online
Specifically for systems or services accessible via the internet.
is enabled
Implies that something has been activated or switched on.
FAQs
How can I use "is operational" in a sentence?
You can use "is operational" to describe the status of a system, service, or piece of equipment. For example, "The new server "is operational" and ready to handle the increased traffic".
What can I say instead of "is operational"?
You can use alternatives like "is functioning", "is in service", or "is up and running" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "is operational" or "is in operation"?
Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""is operational"" is more commonly used to describe something that is functioning and ready for use. "Is in operation" often refers to the act of operating something.
What's the difference between "is operational" and "is functional"?
"Is operational" implies that something is not only functional but also ready and available for its intended purpose, while "is functional" simply means that it is working.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested