it malfunctions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it malfunctions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where a device, system, or process is not functioning as intended. Example: "The machine was supposed to operate smoothly, but unfortunately, it malfunctions frequently, causing delays in production."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

A distribution transformer, much, say, like an elevator, is easy to ignore until it malfunctions.

The New Yorker

And removing the device, or replacing it if it malfunctions, involves another surgical procedure – and more distress – for the patient.

The Guardian

This network weighs up the pros and cons of different choices and when it malfunctions there is a reduced ability to link rewards with actions.

The Guardian

Kiteboarders who use a harness to hook onto the fly lines can get dragged behind the kite if it malfunctions and the harness release mechanism fails.

The New York Times

As Alia explained, if they can understand precisely how a protein works, they might be able to understand why in some cases -- like Alzheimer's -- it malfunctions.

The New York Times

Because the engine is mounted at the rear of the car, the young drivers won't be sprayed with hot oil or flying parts if it malfunctions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

As someone who wrote plenty on the costly NHS IT malfunction at the hands of Accenture, iSoft and friends, I'd say if saving money is still on the agenda, it shouldn't be far off the top.

Independent

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

Did it malfunction?

The New York Times

"It clearly has to be related to the door, whether it malfunctioned or was improperly unlocked".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a recurring issue, follow "it malfunctions" with an explanation of frequency or consequence to provide context. For example: "The sensor malfunctions frequently, leading to inaccurate readings."

Common error

Avoid using "it malfunctions" as a generic descriptor. Provide specific details about what aspect is malfunctioning and what the resulting impact is. Instead of saying "The system malfunctions", specify "The system's data logging function malfunctions, causing incomplete records."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it malfunctions" functions as a subject-verb construction, where "it" is the subject and "malfunctions" is the verb indicating a failure to operate correctly. Ludwig AI provides multiple examples showing its use in describing failures in diverse contexts, from machinery to brain functions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it malfunctions" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe a state of improper functioning, as validated by Ludwig. It serves the purpose of reporting that something is not working as intended and has a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. Common alternatives include phrases like ""it fails to function"" or ""it stops working"". When using the phrase, ensure specificity by indicating what part of the system malfunctions and what the impact is.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it fails to function

Replaces "malfunctions" with a more general term for failure, focusing on the lack of proper operation.

it stops working

Uses simpler language to describe the cessation of operation.

it breaks down

Implies a more significant failure, suggesting a complete cessation of function.

it is out of order

A common phrase indicating that something is not currently operational.

it is defective

Focuses on an inherent flaw that causes the failure.

it isn't operating correctly

A more formal way of saying something is not working as intended.

it ceases to operate

A more formal and emphatic way of stating that something has stopped functioning.

it is acting up

Suggests intermittent or unpredictable malfunctioning.

it gives out

Implies a gradual failure or exhaustion of functionality.

it conks out

An informal expression indicating a sudden and complete failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "it malfunctions" to describe a device, system, or process that isn't working as designed. For example, "The safety mechanism malfunctions, posing a risk to users."

What are some alternatives to saying "it malfunctions"?

Alternatives include "it fails to function", "it stops working", or "it breaks down", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it malfunctions" or "it is malfunctioning"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "it malfunctions" is a simple present tense statement about a general or recurring issue, while "it is malfunctioning" is present continuous and suggests a problem happening right now. Choose the tense that best fits your context.

What's the difference between "it malfunctions" and "it is broken"?

"It is broken" typically implies a more severe, irreparable state. "It malfunctions" suggests that while there is a problem, the system or device might still be partially functional or repairable.