make something functional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make something functional" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of enabling or repairing an object or system to work properly. Example: "After several hours of troubleshooting, we were finally able to make the software functional again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

You can't just make something functional, and it can't just do fashion, either.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Coming from a fine arts background, it was very satisfying to make something so functional and so useful," Mr. Levy said.

The New York Times

"You know, the thing I love most about this gig is laughing while I People

Vice

"We do not allow ourselves to make something not practical or functional," Ms. Takei said.

The New York Times - Tech

But not all those new smart bike locks have been designed by former Boeing and Jawbone engineers, you know, the kind of people who will make something both beautiful and functional that actually works really well.

TechCrunch

The rules were simple: include only objects (no interior or exterior environments), do not create something that is already in production (though the materials and technology for it should currently be available) and, most important, make something spectacular -- and spectacularly functional -- out of the mundane.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Our thinking is can we make something that is both beautiful and functional that people will want to wear," says Lindsay Kresch, Misfit's director of corporate partnerships.

BBC

We'd attempt to make something funny, or beautiful, or at the very least functional.

Vice

If you make something efficient just for efficiency's sake, it typically isn't fun or functional.

TechCrunch

Make something truly Webby.

The New York Times

Make something rattle.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical documentation, clearly outline the steps required to "make something functional", providing detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips.

Common error

Avoid assuming that your design is inherently functional. Always conduct thorough user testing to identify potential usability issues and areas for improvement. This helps ensure the final product truly "make something functional" for its intended audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make something functional" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of creating or modifying an object or system so that it performs its intended purpose. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is about enabling or repairing something to work properly.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

32%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make something functional" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of rendering an object or system usable and effective. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although particularly useful in professional, technical, or practical fields. While alternatives like "render something usable" or "create a practical item" exist, "make something functional" remains a clear and direct way to express the goal of achieving usability. Remember to prioritize user testing to ensure your designs genuinely meet the needs of the intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

render something usable

Focuses on the usability aspect, implying bringing something to a state where it can be used.

create a practical item

Emphasizes the creation of something with a practical purpose.

develop a working prototype

Highlights the development aspect, particularly in creating a preliminary model that functions.

design a useful object

Focuses on the design aspect, with the end result being an object that serves a purpose.

build a functional model

Highlights the construction of a model that is able to perform its intended function.

engineer a practical solution

Emphasizes the engineering aspect, suggesting a problem-solving approach to create something functional.

construct a working device

Focuses on building or assembling a device that is operational.

transform something into working order

Implies a change from a non-functional state to a functional one.

optimize something for usability

Focuses on improving something to enhance its usability.

adapt something for practical use

Highlights the modification of something to make it suitable for a practical application.

FAQs

How can I use "make something functional" in a sentence?

You can use "make something functional" to describe the process of creating or modifying an object or system to work as intended. For example: "After several hours of troubleshooting, we were finally able to "make the software functional again".

What are some alternatives to "make something functional"?

You can use alternatives like "render something usable", "create a practical item", or "develop a working prototype" depending on the context.

Is it better to "make something functional" or "make something beautiful"?

Ideally, you should strive to do both. However, prioritizing functionality ensures that the item serves its intended purpose. Aesthetics can then enhance the user experience. Sometimes something can be beautiful and "make the functional beautiful".

What does it mean to "make something functional" in software development?

In software development, to "make something functional" means to ensure that the code works correctly and performs its intended tasks. This involves writing clean, efficient code, testing it thoroughly, and addressing any bugs or issues that arise.