operate on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "operate on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing performing a procedure, especially in medical or technical settings. Example: "The surgeon will operate on the patient to remove the tumor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These operate on electromagnetic principles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They now operate on two fronts.

The New York Times

Markets operate on a faster timetable.

The Economist

They operate on many different levels".

The New York Times - Arts

EduCity will operate on an unusual model.

The New York Times

Plans to operate on third rail soon.

The New Yorker

They operate on the supply side.

The New York Times

For AIDS conferences operate on many levels.

The Economist

They operate on your neck, they operate on your jaw, they operate on your throat".

The New York Times

We don't operate on leaks.

The Guardian

They operate on recorded lines.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “operate on” to describe the functionality of systems. For example, “This device will operate on the standard 2.4 GHz frequency.

Common error

Avoid using "operate on" when a simpler verb like "use" or "affect" would be more appropriate. For instance, instead of "The software operates on the data", consider "The software processes the data" if no manipulation is involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "operate on" primarily functions as a verb indicating either a surgical procedure performed on a patient or the action of influencing or affecting something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature. For example, "They operate on your neck, they operate on your jaw, they operate on your throat".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "operate on" is widely used and grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary functions include describing surgical procedures and indicating the action of influencing or affecting something. While frequently found in News & Media, it also appears in scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. The examples provided demonstrate its versatility in various scenarios, from medical interventions to system functionalities. When using "operate on", it's crucial to consider whether a simpler verb might be more appropriate to avoid unnecessary complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perform surgery on

Focuses specifically on the medical procedure aspect, implying a surgical intervention.

act upon

Emphasizes taking action based on something, often information or a situation.

work on

Suggests effort being applied to something to improve or modify it.

exert influence on

Highlights the aspect of having an effect or impact on something.

have an effect on

Implies a causal relationship where something brings about a change.

bring to bear on

Focuses on applying pressure or resources to achieve a particular result.

bring into play

Highlights the action of utilizing something for a specific purpose.

draw on

Emphasizes the act of utilizing resources or information from a source.

make use of

Suggests using something practically for a specific task or purpose.

capitalize on

Indicates taking advantage of an opportunity or situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "operate on" to describe a surgical procedure, as in "The surgeon will operate on the patient tomorrow". It can also refer to influencing something, such as "The new regulations will operate on the market".

What does "operate on" mean in a medical context?

In a medical context, "operate on" means to perform a surgical procedure on a patient. For example, "The doctor decided to operate on the patient's heart".

What are some alternatives to "operate on"?

Alternatives include "perform surgery on", "act upon", or "work on", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "operate on" a system or process?

Yes, "operate on" can be used to describe how a system or process functions, like "The system will operate on this data to produce the report". It implies a direct action or influence on the system.