not function properly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not function properly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a device, system, or process that is not operating as intended or expected. Example: "The printer may not function properly if it is out of ink or has a paper jam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The badge-printing computers did not function properly.

The Guardian

And in high-income neighborhoods, 12.5percentt of pay phones did not function properly.

The New York Times

Basically, if you walked too close, the system would not function properly.

Cornell University

They complained to Washington that the mission could not function properly until the technological glitch was fixed.

The Guardian

In one form of the disease, the cells in the pancreas that normally produce insulin do not function properly.

MIT Technology Review

Note, however, that some annotators that use dependencies such as natlog might not function properly if you use this option.

Stanford University

Without this nourishment and support, the retina does not function properly, and this can cause a variety of visual symptoms.

Harvard University

For example, some of the newer features in Word 2013 may not function properly in Word 2008.

Yale University

If so, is there something about the construction of the physical logic that means it does not function properly?

The Economist

When the valves do not function properly, the blood collects in the superficial veins, distending and twisting them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If a working fluid is badly selected, despite having high entrainment ratios, the system will not function properly.

Applied Thermal Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not function properly", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'properly' means in that specific situation. For example, "The software may "not function properly" if the system requirements are not met."

Common error

Avoid using "not function properly" without specifying the affected component or process. Instead of saying 'The system does "not function properly"', specify which part of the system is malfunctioning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not function properly" acts as a negative verb phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a failure or malfunction. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is commonly used across various domains to express that something is not operating as expected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

21%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not function properly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys a failure or malfunction. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is versatile enough for various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. To ensure clarity, specifying the component or process that is not working as expected is recommended. Alternatives such as "malfunction" or "not operate correctly" can also be used. With its widespread use and clear meaning, mastering the use of "not function properly" will undoubtedly enhance your writing skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not operate correctly

Substitutes "function" with "operate" and "properly" with "correctly", offering a slight variation in wording.

not work as intended

Focuses on the intended outcome rather than the process of functioning.

not perform as expected

Highlights the deviation from expected performance levels.

malfunction

Replaces the entire phrase with a single word indicating failure.

fail to work

Emphasizes the failure aspect more directly.

be defective

Points to an inherent flaw causing the malfunction.

be out of order

Describes a temporary state of being non-functional, often for machines.

not be up to par

Indicates performance below an acceptable standard.

not be in working order

More formal way to express something is not working.

cease to function

Emphasizes the termination of functionality.

FAQs

What does it mean when something does "not function properly"?

When something does "not function properly", it means it isn't working as it should or as expected. It could be due to a defect, damage, or incorrect setup.

What are some alternative ways to say "not function properly"?

You can use alternatives like "not operate correctly", "fail to work", or "malfunction" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not function properly"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "not function properly". It is a common and acceptable way to describe something that is not working as intended.

What's the difference between "not function properly" and "not work properly"?

The phrases "not function properly" and "not work properly" are largely interchangeable and have the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the specific context.