operate like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "operate like that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe how something functions or behaves in a particular manner. Example: "The new software will operate like that, making it easier for users to navigate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

But the Giants do not operate like that.

The New York Times

"As it is currently," he said, "it will never operate like that again".

The New York Times

These large cultural institutions are funded by profit-based institutions and so they operate like that.

The Guardian - Tech

Challenged by Newsweek Europe about his belief that only electricians, merchant bankers and people without HIV should be admitted to Britain, Farage said: "There are 190 countries in the world that operate like that.

The Guardian

Sir Peter Hall, who directed the British premiere at the Arts Theatre in 1955, and has come back to the play four times since, recalls: "He didn't operate like that.

The Guardian

I don't operate like that.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"There is not a free-market system that operates like that.

The New York Times

Even so, operating like that is hardly any way to generate high returns on capital employed.

The Economist

All the way until he died, he operated like that and I always really admired it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The mine operated like that for years until the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 triggered a collapse around 200 feet into the mine.

University of California, Berkeley

I've operated like that my whole life, because a lot of successful people look good, they've got great degrees, great families, they've got everything.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "operate like that", ensure the context clearly defines what "that" refers to. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "operate like that" without a clear antecedent. Ensure the reader understands what "that" refers to. For example, instead of saying 'The system shouldn't operate like that', specify, 'The system shouldn't operate like the old version'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "operate like that" functions as a verb phrase with an adverbial modifier. According to Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct construction used to describe the manner in which something works or behaves. The verb "operate" is modified by the phrase "like that", which specifies the particular way of operating.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "operate like that" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe how something functions or behaves in a specific manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in news, media, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the reference of "that" is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include ""function in that manner"" or ""work in that way"" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

function in that manner

Replaces "operate" with "function" and "like that" with "in that manner", offering a more formal tone.

work in that way

Substitutes "operate" with "work" and "like that" with "in that way", providing a slightly simpler and more direct alternative.

perform in that fashion

Replaces "operate" with "perform" and "like that" with "in that fashion", suggesting a deliberate and stylized action.

act in that manner

Uses "act" instead of "operate", focusing on behavior or conduct rather than functionality.

behave in that way

Similar to "act in that manner", but emphasizes the way someone or something conducts themselves.

run in that fashion

Replaces "operate" with "run", implying a process or system functioning in a particular way.

proceed in that manner

Focuses on the progression or continuation of an action, replacing "operate" with "proceed".

manage in that way

Implies a method of control or administration, offering a nuanced alternative to "operate".

handle things that way

Uses a more colloquial phrasing to describe a method of dealing with situations.

conduct business that way

Specifically refers to the way business is carried out, offering a context-specific alternative.

FAQs

What does "operate like that" mean?

The phrase "operate like that" describes how something functions or behaves in a particular way. It suggests a specific method or manner of operation, often in comparison to something else.

What can I say instead of "operate like that"?

You can use alternatives like "function in that manner", "work in that way", or "perform in that fashion" depending on the context.

How to use "operate like that" in a sentence?

You can use "operate like that" to describe how a system, organization, or even a person functions. For example: "The new software will operate like that, making it easier for users to navigate".

What's the difference between "operate like that" and ""function in that manner""?

"Operate like that" is more general and can apply to various contexts, while ""function in that manner"" is more formal and emphasizes the specific functionality or mechanism involved.