it was in operation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it was in operation' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a large-scale system or process that is functioning. For example, "The factory had been in operation for two years when we visited."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The SMBR was fed by raw wastewater collected from the Palermo (IT) WWTP and it was in operation for a total period of 130 days.

Journal of Membrane Science

It was in operation from 1964 to 1970.

Columbia University

Shortly after it was in operation I managed to hunt down the remaining bugs.

Stanford University

Reporters, invited to tour the plant, saw it was in operation.

The New York Times

"Horror House was a dark ride, but when it was in operation, this stretch was the only completely dark part.

The Guardian - Books

10.38am: Cheesley says she didn't know about Wallis's contract during the period in which it was in operation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Now its workability has been proved, and P.L.R. is accepted routinely wherever it is in operation, like any other legislation in the arts field.

The New York Times - Books

It's a simple system and should be very reliable once it's in operation.

The Guardian

How long has it been in operation, and how extensive it is now?

The New York Times

The system may become defective at any point of time when it is in operation.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

The university promised the Square Kilometre Array will be the most advanced telescope in the world when it is in operation by 2020.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the duration of an operation, specify the start and end dates to provide a clearer understanding of the context.

Common error

Avoid using "it was in operation" for inanimate subjects that cannot be 'operated'. Instead, consider using "it was present" or "it existed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was in operation" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a system, process, or entity was active and performing its intended function during a specific period. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was in operation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote that something was active or functioning at a particular time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across a range of sources including news, science, academia, and encyclopedias, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. While generally neutral in register, using more specific alternatives such as "it was functioning" or "it was running" may provide greater clarity depending on the context. When employing this phrase, ensure the subject can logically be 'operated' and specify time frames to enhance understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was operational

Replaces 'in operation' with the single word 'operational', creating a more concise statement.

it was functioning

Replaces 'in operation' with 'functioning', focusing on the act of working correctly.

it was running

Substitutes 'in operation' with 'running', emphasizing the continuous activity of something.

it was active

Uses 'active' instead of 'in operation', highlighting the state of being engaged or performing tasks.

it was working

Replaces 'in operation' with 'working', simply stating that something was in a state of performing its intended function.

it was up and running

Adds 'up and' before 'running' to emphasize the establishment and continuation of activity.

it was in service

Employs 'in service' instead of 'in operation', emphasizing the availability for use or performance of duties.

it had been activated

Changes the structure to passive voice and uses 'activated', focusing on the point when something started operating.

it had been started

Uses 'started' to focus on the initiation of the operation, rather than its continuation.

it was live

Uses 'live' to suggest that something was broadcasting or working in real-time.

FAQs

What does "it was in operation" mean?

The phrase "it was in operation" means that something was functioning, running, or active during a specified time. It implies that a system, machine, or process was working as intended.

How can I use "it was in operation" in a sentence?

You can use "it was in operation" to describe the state of a system or process. For example: "The factory "it was in operation" for ten years before being shut down."

What can I say instead of "it was in operation"?

You can use alternatives like "it was functioning", "it was running", or "it was active" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it was in operation" or "it was operational"?

Both "it was in operation" and "it was operational" are correct. "It was operational" is more concise, while "it was in operation" might provide a slightly more descriptive nuance depending on the context.