manually operated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "manually operated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a device or system that is controlled by a person rather than automatically or electronically. Example: "The old typewriter is manually operated, requiring the user to press each key to produce text."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In ITER, there are several different kinds of operations expected from fully automated operations to manually operated works.

Fusion Engineering and Design

If it's manually operated, you have to rely on the judgment of the operator and hope they're paying attention.

Huffington Post

"Right now, everything is very manually operated," Ms. Khater said.

The New York Times - Tech

Now with a manually operated scoreboard that doesn't happen.

The New York Times - Sports

On a platform outside the tower was a manually operated fog bell, still in working order.

The New York Times - Arts

There, a building worker waited to take him up in a manually operated freight elevator.

The New Yorker

An offshoot of Dudley's research was the Voder, a manually operated speech synthesizer that emulated the human vocal tract.

The New Yorker

Gated crossings are common on rural lines, and can be either automatic or manually operated by a keeper.

The Guardian

Sales director Michal Nemec says: "Don't forget that everything is manually operated, and then there's the cost of transportation.

The Guardian - Music

Everything is shot with two Sony high-resolution digital still cameras, one automatic and the other manually operated.

The New York Times - Tech

LED revolution or not, the most visible and important scoreboards at the Open remain manually operated.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a historical device or system, using "manually operated" can effectively convey its reliance on human labor and the absence of modern automation. For example: "The early printing presses were "manually operated", requiring skilled craftsmen to produce each page."

Common error

Be precise when using "manually operated". Ensure it's clear that the item is not just influenced by humans, but directly controlled and powered by them. Avoid using it interchangeably with terms like 'human-influenced' when the device still has automated elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "manually operated" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate that the operation of something requires direct human intervention rather than being automated. Ludwig examples show it's used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "manually operated" is a common and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe devices or systems controlled directly by human action. Ludwig's analysis and examples confirm its broad applicability across news, scientific, and general contexts. Remember to consider the nuances of similar terms and ensure clarity in your writing to effectively convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hand-operated

Replaces "manually" with "hand", emphasizing the physical aspect of the operation.

human-powered

Highlights that the power source is human strength or effort.

manually controlled

Focuses on the control aspect of the operation, indicating human direction.

non-automatic

Emphasizes the absence of automation, highlighting the need for human intervention.

mechanically operated

Highlights the mechanical nature of the operation, though still implying manual action.

lever-operated

Specifies the lever as the method of operation, providing more detail.

crank-operated

Specifies the crank as the method of operation, providing more detail.

man-powered

Replaces "human" with "man", emphasizing the source of power.

user-activated

Focuses on the user's role in starting or triggering the operation.

hand-cranked

Combines the concepts of hand operation and crank mechanisms.

FAQs

What does "manually operated" mean?

The phrase "manually operated" describes a device or system that is controlled and powered by a person, rather than automatically or electronically. It implies direct human intervention for its function.

What are some alternatives to "manually operated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "hand-operated", "human-powered", or "manually controlled".

How can I use "manually operated" in a sentence?

You might say, "The vintage car has a "manually operated" gear shift" or "The water pump is "manually operated" and requires physical effort to draw water."

Is it better to say "manually operated" or "automatically operated"?

The choice depends on what you want to emphasize. "Manually operated" highlights human control, while "automatically operated" emphasizes the absence of human intervention. They describe opposite functionalities.