Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
malfunction occurred
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "malfunction occurred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are reporting or describing an incident involving a failure or error in a system or device. Example: "During the test, a malfunction occurred, causing the equipment to shut down unexpectedly."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
15 human-written examples
The New Jersey malfunction occurred not long after a fire in Penn Station caused delays on some Newark-bound trains.
News & Media
An eyewitness who was on another ride at the park at the time the malfunction occurred described how he could hear children shouting nearby.
News & Media
Akinobu Yokoyama, a spokesman for Japan's Transport Safety Board, said it was still not clear whether a short-circuit or other malfunction occurred within one or more of the eight cells in the new lithium-ion battery.
News & Media
On the evening of January 22, a major malfunction occurred with the power system, prompting the Indian Space Research Organization to declare the satellite a failure.
News & Media
The lift is being developed by Japan's Hitachi, which says it will have brakes capable of withstanding the tremendous heat that could be generated if a malfunction occurred.
News & Media
The malfunction occurred just seconds after separation, officials said.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
44 human-written examples
But when a plant is stressed, a malfunction occurs in this photosynthetic machinery.
News & Media
What it doesn't cite is the high likelihood of fatality if any error or malfunction occurs.
News & Media
The malfunction occurs if the interior front door handle is being pulled while the manual or power-door lock is activated.
News & Media
The most common malfunction is a jamming of the supply of copy paper, which is rather picturesquely called a "mispuff," because each sheet of paper is raised into position to be inscribed by an interior puff of air, and the malfunction occurs when the puff goes wrong.
News & Media
However, unless obstruction, perforation or stoma malfunction occur, there is no need for surgical repair [19, 20, 21, 22].
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When reporting a malfunction, clearly specify the component or system where the "malfunction occurred". Providing specific details helps in understanding the nature and impact of the failure.
Common error
Avoid simply stating that a "malfunction occurred" without providing context. Describe the specific system, component, or process affected by the malfunction to ensure clarity and facilitate troubleshooting.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "malfunction occurred" functions as a statement of fact, indicating that a failure or fault has taken place. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness. Examples show its usage in reporting technical issues.
Frequent in
News & Media
41%
Science
38%
Wiki
13%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Reference
2%
Academia
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "malfunction occurred" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to report a failure or fault. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from diverse sources. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral tone suitable for broad audiences. While clear and direct, it's important to provide specific details about where and when the malfunction occurred. Alternatives like "failure took place" or "error arose" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember to be specific and avoid vague descriptions when reporting malfunctions.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
failure took place
Replaces "malfunction" with "failure" and uses "took place" instead of "occurred", maintaining a similar meaning.
fault developed
Substitutes "malfunction" with "fault" and "occurred" with "developed", indicating the emergence of a problem.
error arose
Uses "error" in place of "malfunction" and "arose" instead of "occurred", focusing on the appearance of a mistake.
problem emerged
Replaces "malfunction" with "problem" and "occurred" with "emerged", indicating the surfacing of an issue.
glitch happened
Substitutes "malfunction" with "glitch" and "occurred" with "happened", conveying a more informal tone for a minor issue.
breakdown ensued
Uses "breakdown" instead of "malfunction" and "ensued" instead of "occurred", suggesting a more severe failure.
defect manifested
Replaces "malfunction" with "defect" and "occurred" with "manifested", highlighting the appearance of a flaw.
technical issue arose
Uses a broader term, "technical issue", instead of "malfunction" and replaces "occurred" with "arose".
system failure happened
Specifies a "system failure" instead of a general malfunction and uses "happened" instead of "occurred".
operational failure took place
Emphasizes the "operational" aspect of the failure and uses "took place" instead of "occurred".
FAQs
How to use "malfunction occurred" in a sentence?
Use "malfunction occurred" to report a failure or error in a system or device. For example, "During the test, a malfunction occurred, causing the equipment to shut down unexpectedly."
What can I say instead of "malfunction occurred"?
You can use alternatives like "failure took place", "fault developed", or "error arose" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "malfunction occurred" or "a malfunction occurred"?
Both are correct, but "a malfunction occurred" is more specific when referring to a single, distinct incident. "Malfunction occurred" can be used more generally to describe a situation where malfunctions are common.
What's the difference between "malfunction occurred" and "malfunction happened"?
"Malfunction occurred" is slightly more formal than "malfunction happened". The choice depends on the context and desired tone, although both are acceptable.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested