is out of commission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is out of commission" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is not functioning or is temporarily unavailable. Example: "The elevator is out of commission, so please use the stairs until it is repaired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Is Carnival going to cut these people loose now that the ship is out of commission?

Vice

Your ship is out of commission.

The New York Times - Travel

Currently, 13 percent of the world's automotive production is out of commission, IHS said.

The New York Times

In the meantime, the busted pipe is out of commission, and the oil companies are maxing out their storage tanks.

The New Yorker

Jean, the elderly woman who usually looks after April's 3-year-old daughter, is out of commission.

The New York Times - Books

"If the old, historic governor's mansion is out of commission, they'll simply find another house with a colonnade," Mr. Turner said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Lou's was out of commission.

The New York Times

Two others were out of commission.

The New Yorker

But, two of the six guns were out of commission.

The New York Times

It meant the bar was out of commission.

The New York Times

"I'd been out of commission for almost three months.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is out of commission", specify the expected duration of the unavailability if known. This provides helpful context for the reader.

Common error

While "is out of commission" is widely applicable, consider more direct alternatives like "isn't working" or "is broken" in casual conversation for clarity and brevity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is out of commission" functions as a predicative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that it is not currently in service or operational. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples of its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is out of commission" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that something is not currently functioning or available. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in news and media, as well as science-related content. While it holds a generally neutral tone, opting for simpler or more technical alternatives may be suitable depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. Remember to specify the duration and cause of the unavailability for improved clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not working

Directly states the item isn't functioning. It's a more general replacement for when you don't want to state the object is temporarily out of use.

is non-operational

More formal and technical, emphasizing the lack of ability to operate.

is inoperative

Similar to "non-operational", but slightly less common in everyday language.

is not functioning

Similar to "is not working", but often implies a more complex system or device.

is unavailable

Focuses on the lack of availability rather than the reason for it.

is down

Informal and commonly used for systems or services that are temporarily offline.

is broken

Implies a state of damage or malfunction, potentially requiring repair.

is disabled

Suggests that the item has been intentionally deactivated or rendered unusable.

is suspended

Indicates a temporary halting of operation, often due to a specific reason or condition.

is shut down

Similar to "disabled", but implies a deliberate and complete cessation of operation.

FAQs

What does "is out of commission" mean?

The phrase "is out of commission" means that something is not functioning or is temporarily unavailable for use. It could be due to damage, repairs, or other reasons preventing its operation.

What can I say instead of "is out of commission"?

You can use alternatives like "is not working", "is non-operational", or "is unavailable" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "is out of commission"?

The phrase "is out of commission" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While appropriate for news reports and professional communication, simpler alternatives might be preferred in very casual settings.

Is it correct to say "was out of commission"?

Yes, "was out of commission" is the correct past tense form of the phrase. You would use it to describe something that was previously not functioning but may be working now.