it ceased to function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it ceased to function" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has stopped working or is no longer operational. Example: "After years of reliable service, the old printer finally ceased to function, leaving us in need of a replacement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Although Kongo continued to exist, from this point on it ceased to function as a unified kingdom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The line was in operation only sporadically during the 1970s, and in 1983 it ceased to function beyond supplying a refinery in Jordan.

Britannica

The problem with war, Schell writes, is that in the course of the last century it ceased to function the way that Clausewitz described it: as a "final arbiter" of conflict between states.

The New York Times - Books

But recently, as I watched from London, something had begun to frighten me even more: The prospect of a state so weak and divided that it ceased to function.

The New York Times

With no known triggering event, a crack developed in the body of the electrode and it ceased to function in a Nernstian manner.

Environmental Science & Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In other words, the Pakistani state must change its bias from tyranny to representation before it ceases to function.

The New York Times

Although the company reorganized in 1894, it virtually ceased to function by 1898.

Britannica

There was one note buried in the release that many people missed: "The emergency water circulation system was cooling the steam within the core; it has ceased to function".

Independent

1259 82) erected a school "on the grounds of the old orphanotropheion", likely indicating that it had ceased to function for some time by then.

Wikipedia

(It is not surprising that our Constitution has ceased to function -- it was designed to prevent Parliamentary politics and institutionalized bribery and has now, thanks to the strategies of modern conservatism, been taken over by those two forces).

Huffington Post

The house gets all dark and quiet — it's as if time had ceased to function.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the end of a process or the failure of a system, use "it ceased to function" to convey a sense of finality and completeness. For example, "After years of neglect, the old machinery it ceased to function."

Common error

Avoid using "it ceased to function" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "it stopped working" are more appropriate for less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it ceased to function" primarily functions as a statement of condition or status, indicating that a subject has reached a state of non-operation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It clearly communicates the termination of functionality.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it ceased to function" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the termination of operation or activity. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While versatile, it's most appropriate in neutral to formal contexts, as it's frequently found in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. More informal alternatives such as "it stopped working" may be more suitable for casual conversation. Remember to consider the level of formality required by your audience when choosing between "it ceased to function" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it stopped working

Replaces "ceased to function" with simpler, more common language.

it became inoperative

Substitutes "ceased to function" with a more formal and technical term.

it broke down

Replaces "ceased to function" with an expression indicating a failure in operation.

it malfunctioned

Substitutes "ceased to function" with a single word that describes faulty operation.

it failed to operate

Replaces "ceased to function" with a more explicit description of operational failure.

it was no longer functional

Rephrases "ceased to function" to emphasize the lack of functionality.

it went out of service

Replaces "ceased to function" with a term indicating a removal from active use.

it shut down

Replaces "ceased to function" with a phrase suggesting a deliberate or sudden stop in operation.

it became defunct

Substitutes "ceased to function" with a term suggesting an end to its existence or usefulness.

it was disabled

Replaces "ceased to function" with an alternative that indicates an action or event that caused inactivity.

FAQs

What does "it ceased to function" mean?

The phrase "it ceased to function" means that something has stopped working or operating. It implies a complete cessation of activity.

What can I say instead of "it ceased to function"?

You can use alternatives like "it stopped working", "it broke down", or "it malfunctioned" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it ceased to function"?

It's appropriate to use "it ceased to function" in formal writing or when you want to emphasize the complete cessation of activity. It is less suitable for casual conversation.

Is "it ceased to function" formal or informal?

The phrase "it ceased to function" is considered more formal than alternatives like "it stopped working". Choose your phrasing based on the context and audience.