is unlikely to function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unlikely to function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express doubt about the effectiveness or performance of something in a specific context. Example: "Without proper maintenance, the old machine is unlikely to function as intended."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

However, the arrangement of residues is inconsistent with that of canonical serine proteases and DPPX is unlikely to function as a protease (dipeptidyl aminopeptidase).

Stanford University

The structural characteristics of T-cadherin protein predict that it is unlikely to function as a "true" adhesion molecule in vivo.

Cellular Signalling

Collectively, our results demonstrate that AXL is unlikely to function as an entry receptor for ZIKV and may instead promote ZIKV infection in human astrocytes by antagonizing type I IFN signalling.

Nature

In the case of paediatric hospitals 'art' which is simply a graphic treatment applied to key surfaces throughout the hospital environment, is unlikely to function in the ways that children and young people have identified as being valuable in their experience of hospitalisation.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

The other major issue is the feature is unlikely to function properly on earlier versions of Telegram.

TechCrunch

Since neither the germ cells nor the somatic cyst cells encasing them are known to be enervated, the Ntl gene product is unlikely to function as a neurotransmitter transporter.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Although the presumption exists that Cry proteins may have immunostimulatory activity and therefore an adjuvanticity risk, the evidence shows that Cry proteins are expressed at very low levels in GM crops and are unlikely to function as adjuvants.

Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology

Contrary to class I members, class II TXNs are unlikely to function as TXNs owing to the presence of a number of non-identical amino acid substitutions.

Plosone

Therefore, the proteins lacking them are unlikely to function as MSAEs.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

However, none of them are in a good sequence context in comparison with the optimal Kozak sequence, suggesting that they are unlikely to function as translation-initiating codons.

British Journal of Cancer

It is important to recognise that most mutations affecting splicing factors such as SF3B1, U2AF1, and SRSF2 are more likely to cause gain of functions, 9, 33) indicating that they are unlikely to function as tumor suppressors.

Cancer Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is unlikely to function" when you want to express a low probability or expectation of something operating correctly or achieving its intended purpose. This phrase is suitable for expressing uncertainty based on evidence or reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "is unlikely to function" when you have strong evidence that something will definitely not work. In such cases, a more definitive statement would be more appropriate. It is important to adjust the strength of your language to accurately reflect the level of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unlikely to function" serves as a modal expression, indicating a low probability or expectation regarding the ability of something to operate or perform as intended. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

22%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is unlikely to function" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a low probability or expectation of something operating correctly. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a suitable way to introduce doubt based on evidence, particularly in scientific, academic, and news contexts. While not as definitive as stating something "will not function", it serves to temper expectations and signal potential shortcomings. To achieve the same effect, but with other words you can try expressions such as "is improbable to work" or "is not expected to operate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is improbable to work

Replaces 'unlikely' with 'improbable' and 'function' with 'work', slightly altering the tone but maintaining the core meaning.

is not expected to operate

Emphasizes the lack of expectation for operation rather than a low probability of functioning.

is doubtful to perform

Substitutes 'unlikely' with 'doubtful' and 'function' with 'perform', conveying a sense of uncertainty about its ability to execute its purpose.

is not designed to work

Shifts the focus to the intended design rather than the probability of functioning, implying a fundamental incompatibility.

is questionable in its effectiveness

Highlights the uncertainty surrounding its effectiveness, rather than a general inability to function.

is not prone to succeed

Focuses on the low chance of success, suggesting a higher likelihood of failure in its intended function.

is hardly going to operate

Uses a more informal tone to express a low expectation of operation.

does not seem capable of working

Expresses a perception of incapability, suggesting a lack of the necessary attributes for functioning.

is deficient to execute

Indicates a lack of essential qualities or resources for successful execution, going beyond a simple lack of proper functioning.

is at a disadvantage to perform

Suggests external factors or inherent limitations hinder its ability to perform correctly.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is unlikely to function" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "is improbable to work" or "is not expected to operate". These options replace everyday words with more sophisticated vocabulary, giving a refined and professional touch.

What does "is unlikely to function" imply about the subject?

The phrase suggests that, based on available information or known limitations, the subject in question probably won't perform its intended purpose effectively. It conveys a degree of uncertainty, stopping short of a definitive statement of failure.

Is "is unlikely to function" the same as "will not function"?

No, "is unlikely to function" expresses a probability or expectation, whereas "will not function" states a certainty. The former indicates doubt, while the latter suggests a confirmed outcome. Therefore, "will not function" has a stronger connotation.

In what situations should I avoid using "is unlikely to function"?

Avoid using the phrase when the situation demands a definitive statement. If evidence strongly suggests that something simply won't work, it's best to state this directly. This avoids any potential confusion or misinterpretation.