operate correctly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "operate correctly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the proper functioning of a system, device, or process. Example: "The software must operate correctly to ensure that all features are accessible to users."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

In the blog post, the Spiral team described it this way: "Instead of looking at charts and logs produced by the system to verify correct and efficient operation, engineers now express what it means for a system to operate correctly and efficiently in code.

TechCrunch

"The good news is that, of the freshest 10 samples that arrived, two would not operate correctly under Windows 7".

Independent

However, on many occasions we, being 17-year-old schoolboys, were reduced to sniggers, as the much-vaunted stage machinery failed to operate correctly.

The Guardian

Through the failure of an important valve to operate correctly, cooling water to the core was lost, parts of the core were melted and the rest of it destroyed, and a large quantity of fission products was released from the primary reactor system to the interior of the containment structure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Peter Asaro, a professor at the New School in New York, noted that without a human in control, machines fail to take in the unpredictable variables and context of war: "what's the context, what's the situation, is the use of force appropriate in this context and this target, and you can automate it but can you automate it well, and who's responsible when it doesn't operate correctly".

The Guardian - Tech

MANETs require efficient routing protocols to operate correctly.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"They have to have the intelligence in them to give info back to the city or back to the operator to make sure they operating correctly" Dastoor says.

TechCrunch

But Nolan Barkhouse, an embassy spokesman, said the monitor was operating correctly.

The New York Times - Science

When a worker changes offices at a company that uses a traditional phone system, a technician must generally reconfigure the phone system so that the worker's old phone operates correctly at the new location.

The New York Times

"Certainly dams, if they're operated correctly and they have fish ladders, are not as much of a problem, but we'd like to see all rivers flowing naturally".

The New York Times

Another was at BP's chemical plant in Hull, UK, where a piece of equipment was not operated correctly, causing damages of $35-45m35-45me another failure saw critical blueprints that "had gone missing during critical operational activities".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical systems, use "operate correctly" to ensure readers understand the system is functioning as designed and meeting required specifications.

Common error

Ensure the context clearly defines what "correctly" means. Vague usage can lead to misinterpretations about the expected performance or outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "operate correctly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how something should be done. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

24%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "operate correctly" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to describe the proper functioning of systems, devices, or processes. According to Ludwig, it's widely applicable across various contexts, although it leans towards technical and formal settings. While variations like "function properly" or "work as intended" exist, "operate correctly" is particularly useful when emphasizing technical specifications and design parameters. When using this phrase, ensure the definition of "correctly" is clear within the context to avoid ambiguity. Remember that, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

function properly

Replaces "operate" with "function", emphasizing the action of working as expected.

work as intended

Focuses on the designed outcome of the operation.

perform flawlessly

Highlights the absence of errors in the operation.

run smoothly

Emphasizes the continuous and uninterrupted nature of the operation.

execute accurately

Stresses precision and correctness in the execution of the operation.

behave as expected

Shifts the focus to the expected behavior or outcome.

deliver intended results

Focuses on the achievement of desired outcomes.

fulfill its function

Highlights the successful accomplishment of a specific purpose or role.

work effectively

Emphasizes the efficiency and productivity of the operation.

perform optimally

Highlights the best possible execution of the operation.

FAQs

How can I use "operate correctly" in a sentence?

You can use "operate correctly" to describe the proper functioning of a device, system, or process. For example: "The software must "operate correctly" to ensure accurate data processing."

What are some alternatives to "operate correctly"?

Alternatives include "function properly", "work as intended", or "perform flawlessly". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "operate correctly" or "function correctly"?

Both "operate correctly" and "function correctly" are grammatically sound and largely interchangeable. "Operate" might be preferred in more technical contexts, while "function" is generally more versatile.

What does it mean when a system is said to "operate correctly"?

It means the system is performing its intended functions according to its design specifications and without errors. It is "behaving as expected" and achieving the desired outcomes.