not up and running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not up and running" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something, such as a system or service, is not operational or functioning as intended. Example: "The new software update is still not up and running, so we cannot access the latest features yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Some of the resources are not up and running.

Independent

We're not up and running and it will take time before we are".

The New York Times

A few were not up and running until the afternoon, more than five hours after they were meant to be.

The Economist

If the fairs are not up and running quickly, the market will fragment and start to move away.

The New York Times

Of course, it is not up and running, and the H train experience bears little resemblance to a ride anywhere else on the transit system.

The New York Times

But the product was not up and running until October, according to Johnson's letter, raising questions about how vulnerable Clinton's server was during the interim.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

At that hour the elevator isn't up and running yet").

The New Yorker

"It's not surprising that things weren't up and running and ready to go on Oct. 1," said Matt Salo, executive director of the National Association of Medicaid Directors.

The Washington Post

"As long as the program isn't up and running, that's hundreds of millions of dollars that they're banking rather than spending," Mr. Gottfried said.

The New York Times

If the brochures and brokers promise amenities that aren't up and running, make sure the plan explicitly mentions them; if it doesn't, the finished product does not have to offer them.

The New York Times

If the verification system wasn't up and running by the end of five years, the legalization program would end, throwing into question the status of many of the immigrants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when choosing this phrase. While generally acceptable, in highly formal or technical contexts, a more precise term like "non-operational" or "offline" might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase in past tense when the situation is still ongoing. For instance, instead of saying "the system was not up and running", if it's still not working, use "the system is not up and running".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not up and running" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It describes the state of a noun, indicating that it is not in an operational or functional condition. Ludwig examples show its applicability to various subjects, like systems, services, or businesses.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not up and running" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is not currently operational or functional. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across various contexts, especially in news and media. While acceptable in most situations, more formal contexts might benefit from using alternatives such as "not operational" or "inactive". It is essential to maintain correct verb tense and clarify what specific system or service is being referred to in order to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig's analysis provides a comprehensive overview of its usage, alternatives, and common errors, ensuring effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not operational

Focuses on the functional aspect, emphasizing that something is not in operation.

not functioning

Highlights the lack of proper function or performance.

not in service

Indicates that a service or system is temporarily or permanently unavailable.

out of order

Commonly used for equipment or systems that are temporarily broken.

not ready

Emphasizes the lack of preparation or readiness for use.

not activated

Focuses on the lack of activation or initiation of a system or feature.

not yet implemented

Highlights that something is still in the planning or development phase.

under construction

Suggests that something is still being built or developed.

down for maintenance

Indicates a temporary unavailability due to maintenance activities.

inoperative

A more formal way of saying that something is not working.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is "not up and running"?

When something is "not up and running", it means it is "not operational", functional, or ready for use. It indicates a state where a system, service, or process is not active or working as intended.

What are some alternatives to saying "not up and running"?

Alternatives to "not up and running" include "not operational", "not functioning", "out of order", or "not in service", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "wasn't up and running"?

Yes, "wasn't up and running" is grammatically correct. It's the past tense form, used to describe a situation that was not operational in the past. For example, "The website wasn't up and running yesterday due to maintenance".

How formal is the phrase "not up and running"?

The phrase "not up and running" is considered relatively informal. While it's widely understood, more formal settings might benefit from using alternatives like "non-operational" or "inactive" to maintain a professional tone.