mode of operation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'mode of operation' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the way in which something works or is managed. For example, "The new company has a very different mode of operation from the old one."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The PV system is operated under isolated mode of operation.

Materials Today: Proceedings

The mode of operation was chosen depending on the preferences of the operating surgeon.

BMC Pediatrics

* mode of operation for the current HashContext.

Stanford University

At the time, the structure and mode of operation of the ribosome was unknown.

The Guardian

It was a unidirectional mode of operation, even if the document was produced by research teams.

The Guardian

I would argue that this is also a reflection of the administration's general mode of operation.

The New York Times

Each artist has a distinctive and often eccentric mode of operation.

The New Yorker

Managers seem to favor it for two fundamental reasons that suggest a relational mode of operation.

Harvard Business Review

The normal mode of operation of each detector type is also noted.

Britannica

Giovannitti, A. et al. Controlling the mode of operation of organic transistors through side-chain engineering.

Nature

"Spontaneous episodic activity is a fundamental mode of operation of developing networks.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex systems, clearly define the "mode of operation" to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Use specific examples to illustrate how the system functions in different scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "mode of operation" without providing sufficient context. Instead of saying "the device has a unique mode of operation", explain how it's unique.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mode of operation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or as a complement describing how something works or is managed. Ludwig provides numerous examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mode of operation" is a versatile term used to describe how something functions or is managed across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is particularly prevalent in scientific, academic, and news-related domains. When using "mode of operation", it's important to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "method of functioning" or "operational procedure" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Always aim for clarity to ensure your audience understands the specific way something works or is managed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

method of functioning

Focuses on the specific way something works or functions, emphasizing the process.

operational procedure

Highlights the standard steps and guidelines followed in an operation.

working mechanism

Emphasizes the system or process that makes something work.

manner of working

Describes how something is done or functions in a particular way.

operational style

Refers to the distinctive way in which an operation is carried out.

functional approach

Highlights the specific method used to achieve a function.

systematic process

Emphasizes the structured and organized way of performing a task.

technical process

Focuses on the specific technical steps involved in how something works.

performance process

Details how actions are carried out to achieve a particular outcome.

management technique

Related to how something is handled or controlled within a system.

FAQs

How can I use "mode of operation" in a sentence?

You can use "mode of operation" to describe how a system, device, or organization functions. For example, "The company's new "mode of operation" focuses on sustainability" or "The device has a power-saving "mode of operation".

What are some alternatives to "mode of operation"?

Alternatives include "method of functioning", "operational procedure", or "working mechanism", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "mode of operation" formal or informal?

"Mode of operation" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. Its usage spans across scientific papers, news articles, and business documents, indicating its versatility.

What's the difference between "mode of operation" and "method of operation"?

While similar, "mode of operation" often implies a specific configuration or setting in which something functions, while "method of operation" more broadly refers to the general way something is done. The alternative "method of operation" is more focused on the process.