it operates

USAGE SUMMARY

'it operates' is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is functioning or active. For example, "The new machinery operates at high efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That's how it operates".

The New York Times

It operates, however, indirectly.

The New Yorker

It operates seven 767s.

Independent

It operates in 23 countries.

The New York Times

Worse, it operates by consensus.

The Economist

It operates in 39 states.

The New York Times

"It operates on ideology".

The New York Times

-- in which it operates.

The New York Times

It operates as a consultant instead.

The New Yorker

But it operates largely on trust.

The New York Times

It operates through the Electoral College.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it operates" to describe the functioning of machinery or software. For example, "The machine operates using solar power".

Common error

Avoid using "it operates" when you mean to describe the location of a business or entity's headquarters. Instead of saying "It operates in New York", specify "It is based in New York" or "Its headquarters are in New York".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it operates" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the manner in which something works or functions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression for denoting functionality or activity. Examples show its usage in diverse contexts, from describing how an airline operates to how a burglar alarm functions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it operates" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that describes how something functions or acts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific writing. The phrase functions to inform about processes and mechanisms, maintaining a generally neutral to professional register. Common usage includes describing how organizations, machines, or systems perform their functions. While versatile, ensure it accurately represents the subject's activity rather than its location or mere existence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it functions

Focuses on the functional aspect, emphasizing how something works.

it runs

Implies a continuous process or activity.

it works

A general term for something being effective or in operation.

it performs

Suggests a specific action or task being carried out.

it executes

Emphasizes the completion of a task or process.

it acts

Describes the manner or way something behaves or has effects.

it is active

Focuses on the state of being in operation rather than the method.

it is in operation

Highlights the fact that something is currently working or being used.

it is utilized

Focuses on the fact that something is in use

it undertakes

Implies initiative and action in achieving specific objective or goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "it operates" to describe how something functions or conducts its activities. For example, "The factory operates 24 hours a day" or "The software operates on a complex algorithm".

What are some alternatives to "it operates"?

Alternatives include "it functions", "it runs", or "it works". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "how it operates"?

Yes, "how it operates" is a grammatically correct phrase often used to inquire about or explain the functioning of something. For example, "The manual explains how it operates".

What's the difference between "it operates" and "it is operated"?

"It operates" describes something performing an action on its own, while "it is operated" indicates that something is being controlled or used by someone else. For example, "The machine operates automatically" versus "The machine is operated by a technician".