it malfunctioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it malfunctioned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where a device or system failed to function properly. Example: "The machine was supposed to operate smoothly, but unfortunately, it malfunctioned during the test run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Ms. Kilhoffer-Reichert said she used to take her computer in for repair whenever it malfunctioned.

The New York Times - Tech

He also remembered, with satisfaction, getting up in the middle of one winter night to help work on the prison central heating system when it malfunctioned.

The New York Times - Travel

Tehran says it was brought down using electronic warfare; Washington says it malfunctioned.

BBC

Ten people were on the ride when it malfunctioned.

Vice

Then a fire extinguisher was unlatched, but it malfunctioned, painfully discharging its contents into Shamim's face.

The New York Times

"I think it malfunctioned".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The US acknowledged Iran has got hold of its drone but insisted it had malfunctioned and had not been brought down.

The Guardian

When Mr O'Rourke recently demonstrated some of Microsoft's efforts in seamlessness at an event in Silicon Valley, at one point the Windows system that was projected on to the big screen displayed a message that it had malfunctioned and was shutting down.

The Economist

The signaling device at the Wenzhou South railway station malfunctioned after it was struck by lightning and failed to turn from green to red, An Lusheng, chief of the Shanghai Railway Bureau, told the news agency.

The New York Times

When a hard drive with the personal information of around 76 million servicemen malfunctioned, NARA sent it back to the IT contractor GMRI for repairs.

Forbes

Mariner 8 (launched May 8 , 1971 was intended to study Mars with Mariner 9, but its upper stage malfunctioned shortly after launch.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it malfunctioned" when you want to specifically indicate that something didn't just stop working, but failed due to an internal problem or fault. This is more precise than simply saying "it stopped working".

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the subject is unclear. For example, instead of "It malfunctioned, causing delays", specify what "it" refers to: "The engine malfunctioned, causing significant delays to the flight schedule".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it malfunctioned" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a specific subject (represented by "it") experienced a failure in its intended operation. As Ludwig AI indicates, this expression is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it malfunctioned" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe the failure of something due to an internal fault. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While alternatives like "it failed to work" or "it broke down" exist, "it malfunctioned" specifically implies a technical issue. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to and avoid overusing passive voice. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it failed to work

Focuses on the lack of operation rather than specifying a malfunction.

it broke down

Suggests a complete cessation of function, often unexpectedly.

it stopped working

A simple and direct way to describe the end of functionality.

it went wrong

Indicates that something deviated from the intended process.

it had a fault

Highlights the presence of an internal problem.

it developed a problem

Suggests the emergence of an issue over time.

it glitched

Informal term suggesting a temporary or minor error.

it conked out

An informal and humorous way to describe a sudden failure.

it ceased to function

A more formal way of saying something stopped working.

it was out of order

Indicates a temporary state of non-functionality, often with the implication of repair.

FAQs

How can I use "it malfunctioned" in a sentence?

You can use "it malfunctioned" to describe a situation where a device or system failed to function properly. For example: "The safety mechanism was supposed to prevent accidents, but "it malfunctioned" during the test."

What are some alternatives to saying "it malfunctioned"?

Alternatives include "it failed to work", "it broke down", or "it stopped working". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "it malfunctioned" or "it failed"?

"It malfunctioned" implies an internal fault or error, whereas "it failed" is a more general term that simply means it didn't achieve the desired outcome. If you know the reason for the failure was a specific problem within the device, "it malfunctioned" is more accurate.

What does "it malfunctioned" imply about the object's condition?

"It malfunctioned" suggests that the object was intended to work but didn't due to some internal issue or flaw. It implies that there's a technical problem that needs to be addressed for the object to function correctly again. This is different from saying "it is broken", which suggests a more permanent state of disrepair.