it must be functional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it must be functional" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when emphasizing the necessity of something being practical or operational, often in contexts related to design, engineering, or usability. Example: "In product development, it is essential that the prototype is tested thoroughly because it must be functional before it can be released to the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Untreated cells exposed to the CFTR channel blocker CFTR-172 inhibitor developed a similar increase in IL-8 and NFκB reporter activities suggesting that not only must CFTR be present on the cell surface but it must be functional.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Design must be functional and functionality must be translated into visual aesthetics, without any reliance on gimmicks that have to be explained," he said.

The New York Times

Asked how he judges the work, he says it can be outrageous but must be functional and, crucially, dry-cleanable.

Independent

This is particularly relevant to developing animals: their nervous system must be functional and able to interact with its environment even as nascent circuitry is still developing.

eLife

To gain entry, he says, a piece must "be functional or something you've collected over the years".

The New York Times

Apps must be made in App Inventor and must be functional.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Markets must be functional, and large enough so that an infusion of new cash isn't inflationary.

The New York Times

On one hand, coatings must delay and control the degradation process of the bare alloy and, on the other hand, they must be functional and biocompatible.

Electrochimica Acta

Your site must be functional to make the most of that limited attention.

Forbes

ProSe in LTE-Advanced is also aimed at critical situations and must be functional when cellular networks are not operational.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The tools, platforms, solutions we build must be functional, but also WOW the users to encourage adoption and truly influence healthcare delivery.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing technical documentation, use "it must be functional" to clearly state the requirement for a system or component to operate as intended. Be specific about what aspects of functionality are crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "it must be functional" without specifying how it should be functional. For example, instead of saying "the software must be functional", specify "the software must be functional in processing user data and generating reports".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it must be functional" serves as a statement of requirement or necessity. It indicates that a certain level of operability or practicality is essential. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, emphasizing the need for something to work as intended.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it must be functional" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the critical need for something to operate as intended. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for a wide array of contexts, particularly in science, news media, and business. Effective usage involves specifying how something should be functional to avoid overgeneralization, while alternatives such as "it needs to be practical" and "it has to be operational" can offer nuanced emphasis. With a neutral formality level and a wealth of authoritative sources employing the phrase, its significance in clear and effective communication is evident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it needs to be practical

Focuses on the practicality aspect rather than general functionality.

it has to be operational

Emphasizes the ability to operate or work correctly.

it should be working properly

Highlights proper functioning or working condition.

it is required to be usable

Focuses on usability, implying functionality for a specific purpose.

it is essential that it works

Highlights the necessity of the item to work.

it is necessary for it to function

More formal and emphasizes the necessity of functioning.

it should perform as expected

Focuses on the expected level of performance.

it is required to be effective

Focuses on achieving the intended result or effect.

it must be in working order

Highlights the condition of being ready for use.

it should serve its purpose

Focuses on fulfilling its intended purpose or role.

FAQs

How can I use "it must be functional" in a sentence?

You can use "it must be functional" to emphasize the necessity of something being practical or operational. For example, "In product development, it is essential that the prototype is tested thoroughly because "it must be functional" before it can be released to the market."

What are some alternatives to "it must be functional"?

You can use alternatives like "it needs to be practical", "it has to be operational", or "it should be working properly" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "it must be fully functional"?

While not strictly redundant, "fully functional" emphasizes a complete and unimpaired level of operation. Whether it's necessary depends on context. If basic functionality is assumed, specifying "it must be fully functional" can highlight the need for optimal performance.

What does it mean for something to be "functional"?

For something to be "functional" means that it is capable of performing its intended purpose or task effectively. It implies that the item or system is working correctly and fulfilling its designed role.