it ceases to function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it ceases to function" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something stops working or becomes inoperative. Example: "When the battery runs out, the device ceases to function and needs to be recharged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

If the stored energy is not sufficient to cover the expenditures, the cell will enter into a stationary phase i.e. it irreversibly ceases to function.

Biology Direct

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

When the office of Speaker becomes dysfunctional, parliament ceases to function.

The Guardian - Opinion

You stop banks from going bust, because the economy ceases to function when credit dries up.

The Guardian - Tech

After Wagner, dissonance, particularly dissonance caused by chromaticism, largely ceased to function as it had in traditional harmony, and composers created their own individual, often experimental, usage of dissonance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The council, he said, had "ceased to function" and its guidelines had "ceased to apply".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it ceases to function" when you want to convey a complete halt in operation, especially in formal or technical contexts. For less formal situations, consider "it stops working".

Common error

Avoid using "it ceases to function" in informal writing where simpler alternatives like "it stops working" are more appropriate. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it ceases to function" serves as a declarative statement indicating the termination of an entity's operational capacity. Ludwig confirms its usability, reinforcing its role in clearly stating a cessation of function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it ceases to function" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the termination of operational capability. As Ludwig confirms, it is applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific domains. While the phrase is generally neutral to formal, simpler alternatives like "it stops working" may be more appropriate for informal settings. When aiming for clarity and precision in formal or technical communication, "it ceases to function" remains a reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it stops working

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary to convey the same meaning of something no longer operating.

it becomes inoperative

This option is more formal and emphasizes the inability to operate.

it is non-functional

This describes a state of not being able to perform its intended purpose.

it malfunctions

This suggests a failure in proper functioning, rather than a complete cessation.

it breaks down

This implies a gradual failure or collapse in functionality.

it is disabled

This suggests that the function has been intentionally deactivated or rendered unusable.

it shuts down

This implies a controlled or abrupt termination of operation.

it is out of order

This is commonly used for equipment or systems that are temporarily not functioning.

it fails

This is a general term for not succeeding or functioning as intended.

it becomes defunct

This indicates that something is no longer in use or existence.

FAQs

What does "it ceases to function" mean?

The phrase "it ceases to function" means something has stopped working or is no longer able to perform its intended purpose.

How can I use "it ceases to function" in a sentence?

You can use "it ceases to function" to describe machines, organizations, or systems that are no longer operational. For example, "When the battery dies, the device "it ceases to function"".

What are some alternatives to "it ceases to function"?

Some alternatives include "it stops working", "it malfunctions", or "it breaks down". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "it ceases to function" formal or informal?

"It ceases to function" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal contexts, using "it stops working" would be more appropriate.