operate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "operate" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as a verb meaning to conduct operations or work in a system or machine. For example, "The technician operated the machine to open the fuse box."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"But there seems to be growing irritation towards how international obligations operate.

The Guardian

Multimap will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft, which did not disclose the price of the acquisition.

The Guardian

A government spokesman told Guardian Australia a strong administration was necessary if APY was to operate as an institution that was effective and accountable to the communities it represented.

The Guardian

Cockell said, "We are being pushed into a position where either things will fail or the system has to change … we can't cope unless someone takes that big step … to change the way we operate".

The Guardian

For many like Klein, the enjoyment of more than two weeks off work has been tinged with concern about the programs they operate and anxiety about whether and when they will be paid.

The Guardian

A GuardianNews and Mediaia does operate a charitable giving system for its employees and it also provides an internal match funding initiative for all charitable sponsorship raised by GNM employees.

The Guardian

He told the housing fringe at his party's conference: "If we are to address both the cyclical nature of the market and the structural under-supply of housing, then I think we also need to consider whether the government should operate as a commissioner of housing.

The Guardian

Under election law, which began to operate after David Cameron dissolved parliament at the end of March, these are charges that have to be considered by the nation's most senior prosecutor.

The Guardian

Never again have I been so quick to presume I understand the pressures other people operate under.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Delhi transport department has stated that only six registered radio taxi companies would now be allowed to operate in Delhi.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"He's said from the start that he wants to co-operate completely with the royal commission and I'd expect that to continue," Fisher said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the function of machinery or software, use "operate" to emphasize the process of using and controlling the equipment or program.

Common error

Avoid using "operate" when a simpler verb like "use" or "run" would be more appropriate. "Operate" implies a level of complexity and control that isn't always necessary.

Linguistic Context

The verb "operate" primarily functions to describe the action of controlling, managing, or running something. This can range from machinery to businesses, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "operate" is a versatile term used to describe the action of controlling, managing, or running something, applicable across diverse contexts from machinery to organizations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and frequently used. It's most common in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. While versatile, it's important to ensure the context warrants the level of complexity that "operate" implies, rather than opting for simpler alternatives like "use" or "run". Understanding these nuances helps ensure precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

function

Refers to the action of working or performing, similar to "operate" but often used for systems or processes.

run

Implies managing or controlling something, similar to "operate" when referring to businesses or organizations.

manage

Focuses on the administration and control aspects of operating something.

control

Highlights the act of directing and regulating something, similar to "operate" in a mechanical context.

handle

Suggests dealing with or managing a situation or device, akin to "operate" in terms of practical application.

utilize

Emphasizes using something effectively, which is a component of operating it.

execute

Implies carrying out a task or plan, which can be part of operating a system or process.

perform

Refers to carrying out an action or function, similar to "operate" but more general.

conduct

Suggests organizing and carrying out an activity, similar to "operate" in a business context.

exert

Focuses on applying effort or influence, related to the action of operating something.

FAQs

How can I use "operate" in a sentence?

You can use "operate" to describe the action of controlling machinery, running a business, or performing a function. For example: "The doctor will "operate on" the patient tomorrow."

What are some alternatives to "operate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "manage", "run", or "function" instead of "operate".

Is it correct to say "operate a business" or "run a business"?

Both "operate a business" and "run a business" are correct. "Operate" emphasizes the management and control, while "run" focuses on the day-to-day functioning of the business.

What does it mean to have a "license to operate"?

A "license to "operate"" refers to the legal permission required to conduct a specific business or activity, indicating that the entity meets the necessary standards and regulations.