operate through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "operate through" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is taking place in an indirect way, or to refer to a long-term process or procedure. For example, "The company operates through a network of distributors in order to reach customers all around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mobile money operators in turn operate through their mobile money agents country-wide.

Financial Innovation

The store will operate through Dec. 30.

The New York Times

These are men who operate through deceit and violence.

Independent

An Aerial Show Many volunteer hawk watches operate through October.

The New York Times - Arts

Equally, media professionals tend to operate through experience and instinct.

The Guardian

They operate through the deft application of negative energy.

The Guardian - Music

What activities does it operate through its Mongolia program?

The New York Times

The owners are awaiting permits to open a beer garden, which would operate through October.

The New York Times

They are just as popular as mobile telephones and they operate through the ubiquitous TV set.

The Economist

Previously, American firms were forced to operate through partnerships with domestic Chinese firms.

The New York Times

Its ability to operate through America's financial system remains intact, removing a big source of uncertainty.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "operate through" to clearly indicate the mechanism or channel by which a process or system functions. For instance, "The company operates through a network of distributors" clarifies the distribution method.

Common error

Avoid excessive passive constructions with "operate through". Instead of saying "The system is operated through a series of protocols", opt for the more direct "The system operates through a series of protocols" to improve clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "operate through" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the means or method by which an action is carried out or a system functions. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, such as describing how organizations or systems function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "operate through" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the means by which a system, organization, or process functions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and business contexts, "operate through" serves to clarify the mechanism or channel employed in an operation. To ensure effective communication, it's advisable to avoid overusing passive constructions and instead opt for more direct phrasing. Alternatives like "function via" or "work through" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to consider tense consistency, using "operates through" for present actions and "operated through" for past actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

function via

Emphasizes the means by which something functions.

work through

Focuses on the process of achieving a goal or resolving an issue.

act via

Highlights the medium by which an action is performed.

go through

Indicates the experience of a process or procedure.

use as a means

Stresses that something is used as a way to achieve something else.

run on

Implies continued existence or operation within a timeframe.

act through the medium of

Highlights a specific means or condition through which something acts or is achieved.

be mediated by

Focuses on the role of an intermediary or facilitator.

be channeled by

Emphasizes the guidance or direction of a process by something.

be conducted via

Highlights the process being carried out by a specific method.

FAQs

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

You can use "operate through" to describe how a system, organization, or individual functions. For example: "The charity "operates through" donations and volunteer work."

What are some alternatives to "operate through"?

Some alternatives include "function via", "work through", or "act via", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "operated through" or "operates through"?

The choice depends on the tense you need to convey. "Operates through" is present tense, while "operated through" is past tense. For example, "The program "operates through" a web interface," versus "The program "operated through" a command line interface in the past."

What's the difference between "operate through" and "manage through"?

"Operate through" implies a mechanism or means by which something functions, while "manage through" suggests control and direction. For instance, a business might "operate through" a franchise model, but "manage through" a centralized team.