not function correctly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not function correctly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where something is not operating as intended or expected. Example: "The software update caused the application to not function correctly, leading to several user complaints."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

This is necessary, otherwise your safety bindings may not function correctly.

The Guardian - Travel

Because of memory shortage, the program frequently showed errors and did not function correctly.

Cornell University

If the extension is not approved with in 30 minutes the software will not function correctly.

Stanford University

Every wing, as well as the tail, has a stall speed, a minimum speed below which it will not function correctly.

The New York Times

As one insider says, "the board did not function correctly" - two non-executive directors, Roger Lane Smith and David Beever stood down at the AGM.

The Guardian - Business

You should read this section carefully before installing Emacspeak, because Emacspeak will not function correctly if any of the requirements are missing.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

But when your mind is not functioning correctly, you're not thinking clearly, you lose that opportunity," he said.

The Guardian

Research has shown that most existing fishways in China are not functioning correctly.

Ecological Engineering

"They have to understand that if discomfort or pain is being suffered, it means that something is not functioning correctly.

The New York Times - Sports

Dr. Gary I. Wadler, an associate professor of medicine at New York University and a member of the World Anti-Doping Agency, said if a pituitary gland was not functioning correctly, a deficiency of H.G.H. could occur in the body.

The New York Times

Finally, inspection of the tuned mass dampers installed on the bridge to reduce the level of vibration in the first mode showed that they were not functioning correctly after the last event.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical issues, be specific about how something "not function correctly". Instead of saying "the device did not function correctly", specify "the device did not power on" or "the device displayed incorrect data".

Common error

Avoid using "not function correctly" as a catch-all phrase. Replace it with specific descriptions of the problem, such as "the program crashed", "the connection timed out", or "the sensor provided inaccurate readings" to provide more clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not function correctly" serves as a descriptive verbal phrase indicating that something is failing to operate as intended or designed. As noted by Ludwig AI, this is a standard and acceptable way to express operational failure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Academia

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not function correctly" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a malfunction or operational failure, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's versatile enough for academic, news, and general contexts. While widely applicable, specifying how something isn't working provides greater clarity. Alternatives like "malfunction", "operate incorrectly", and "fail to work properly" can offer more concise or context-specific options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

malfunction

This is a more concise, single-word alternative implying a failure to function properly.

operate incorrectly

This alternative replaces "function" with "operate", emphasizing the action of working.

fail to work properly

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary, making it more accessible while retaining the core meaning.

perform poorly

This focuses on the quality of the performance rather than the complete cessation of function.

not working as intended

This clarifies that the issue is a deviation from the expected or designed functionality.

be out of order

This is an idiomatic expression often used for machines or systems that are temporarily not functioning.

be defective

This implies a fault or flaw that prevents correct functioning.

not up to par

This indicates that the performance is below the expected standard or norm.

act abnormally

This suggests that the behavior is unusual or deviates from the expected norm.

not in proper working order

This is a more formal and detailed way of saying something isn't functioning correctly, often used in technical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "not function correctly" in a sentence?

You can use "not function correctly" to describe anything that isn't working as it should. For instance, "The printer did "not function correctly" after the power outage."

What can I say instead of "not function correctly"?

You can use alternatives like "malfunction", "operate incorrectly", or "fail to work properly" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "not function correctly" or "function incorrectly"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""not function correctly"" is generally preferred for its clarity and common usage. "Function incorrectly" can sound slightly awkward.

What does it mean when something 'doesn't function correctly'?

It means that the item or system isn't performing its intended task as expected. The issue can range from minor errors to complete failure.