it was operational

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was operational" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was functioning or in working order at a specific time in the past. Example: "After the repairs were completed, I was relieved to find that it was operational once again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Profit jumped 32 percent the first year it was operational.

The New York Times

What they did wasn't mere "financial engineering"; it was "operational engineering".

The New Yorker

It was operational from 1954 until 1968 and has now been restored and is open to the public on occasion.

Independent

The terms Arpanet and packet switching did not come into use in the documentation until 1971, well after it was operational.

The New York Times - Tech

According to a person involved in the investigation, Cohen spent most of the month that it was operational in a house that he owned in the Hamptons.

The New Yorker

Mr. Moore — who shut down the Web site in 2012 but was reported to have earned $10,000 a month in advertising when it was operational — drew outrage, including from the hacker collective Anonymous.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The next four letters are OPER indicating it is operational data.

Earth, Planets and Space

Although the MOP has encountered technical problems in its development, Schwartz said it is "operational".

Huffington Post

How is your newest venture, the Carlton Exchange, doing? A. It is operational.

The New York Times

It may be months before it is operational, by which time the smuggling season may be over for the autumn.

The Guardian

Once it is operational, the site will sell advertising and offer low-cost tutoring for the College Board's tests.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and choose a synonym if a simpler or more common term enhances clarity. Alternatives such as "it was functioning" or "it was working", depending on the context, might be more suitable for general audiences.

Common error

A common mistake is using "it was operational" when referring to something that is currently operational. Ensure you use the correct tense: "it is operational" for present, "it was operational" for past.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was operational" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating that something was in a working or active state at a specific time in the past. Ludwig examples confirm its wide applicability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was operational" effectively communicates that something was in a functioning state at a specific time in the past. As Ludwig's analysis confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse fields like news, science, and business. While versatile, ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to and use the correct tense, avoiding present-tense errors. Ludwig examples show the phrase to be primarily descriptive, conveying factual information and neutral in register. For simpler communication, consider alternatives such as "it was functioning" or "it was working".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was functioning

This alternative replaces "operational" with a more general term for something working correctly.

it was working

This is a simpler, more direct way to say that something was functional.

it was in operation

This phrase is a more formal and slightly more verbose synonym.

it was in service

This emphasizes that something was available and ready for use.

it was running

This suggests that something was actively working or operating.

it was active

This term broadens the sense to simply being not dormant.

it was live

This alternative highlights something being active and accessible, often in a digital context.

it was up and running

This idiom emphasizes a return to a working condition, or the start of operations.

it was effective

Focuses on successful results rather than just working.

it was viable

This shifts the meaning to indicate that something was feasible and capable of success.

FAQs

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

Use "it was operational" to describe something that was functioning or in service during a specific period in the past. For example, "The factory "it was operational" from 1954 until 1968.".

What are some alternatives to "it was operational"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "it was functioning", "it was in service", or "it was running". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "it was operational" formal or informal?

"It was operational" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it was in operation" might be preferred in certain professional settings.

What's the difference between "it was operational" and "it is operational"?

"It was operational" refers to a past state of functionality, while "it is operational" describes a current state. For instance, "The system "it was operational" last year, but now it is under maintenance" indicates a change in status.