operate efficiently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "operate efficiently" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the effectiveness and productivity of a process, system, or organization. Example: "To maximize our output, we need to ensure that all departments operate efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If all health centres operate efficiently, what are the possible efficiency savings?

BMC International Health and Human Rights

In addition, to ensure an efficient delivery of care these providers should be large enough to operate efficiently.

BMC Health Services Research

Since engines do not operate efficiently until they are warm, taking your longest drive first increases fuel efficiency.

WikiHow

But the broader issue is the ability to operate efficiently.

The New York Times

Exactly how much it will need to wrest from its unions to operate efficiently is unclear.

The New York Times

"We're going to, I would say, stay the course, operate efficiently.

The New York Times

"At the same time, it's important that we operate efficiently, regardless of who is in there.

The New York Times - Sports

Capital markets only operate efficiently if they can accurately price risk and management quality.

The Guardian

The risk is that there is no discipline to force them to operate efficiently.

The New Yorker

The Chicago plant, parts of which date from the 1920's, is too old to operate efficiently, a spokesman said.

The New York Times

But since the private investors got paid only on net receipts, they had a strong incentive to operate efficiently.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing improvements to a system, use "operate efficiently" to emphasize cost reduction and improved output.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse efficiency with effectiveness. "Operate efficiently" focuses on minimizing waste, while effectiveness emphasizes achieving desired outcomes, which are distinct but related concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "operate efficiently" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, highlighting its role in specifying the manner of operation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "operate efficiently" is a very common adverbial phrase used to describe performing an action with minimal waste and maximum productivity. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it's frequently found in News & Media and Science, indicating a neutral to professional register. When writing, remember to focus on minimizing waste and maximizing resource utilization, avoiding confusion with effectiveness. Alternatives like "function effectively" or "work productively" can be used to add variety, while still conveying similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

function effectively

Changes the verb to 'function' and the adverb to 'effectively', emphasizing the manner of functioning.

work productively

Replaces 'operate' with 'work' and 'efficiently' with 'productively', highlighting output and results.

perform optimally

Substitutes 'operate' with 'perform' and 'efficiently' with 'optimally', focusing on achieving the best possible performance.

run smoothly

Emphasizes the ease and lack of disruption in the operation.

execute flawlessly

Highlights the error-free execution of a task or process.

manage successfully

Focuses on the successful handling and administration of operations.

be cost-effective

Emphasizes the economic aspect of efficient operation, focusing on minimizing costs.

achieve efficiency

Nominalization of the phrase, highlighting the attainment of efficiency.

streamline operations

Focuses on simplifying and making operations more efficient.

optimize performance

Highlights the improvement of performance to reach maximum efficiency.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "operate efficiently" in a sentence?

You can replace "operate efficiently" with alternatives like "function effectively", "work productively", or "perform optimally", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean for a business to "operate efficiently"?

For a business to "operate efficiently" means it uses its resources—time, money, and labor—in a way that minimizes waste and maximizes output. It involves streamlining processes and reducing unnecessary costs to increase profitability.

What is the difference between "operate efficiently" and "operate effectively"?

"Operate efficiently" focuses on minimizing waste and maximizing resource utilization, while "operate effectively" emphasizes achieving the desired results or goals. A business can "operate efficiently" (reduce costs) without necessarily operating effectively (achieving its strategic goals).

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "operate efficiently"?

The phrase "operate efficiently" is suitable in contexts where the discussion involves resource management, cost reduction, process optimization, and productivity improvements. It's commonly used in business, engineering, and operational contexts.