operate with something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "operate with something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean to function or deal with something, usually using a tool or system. For example, "We operate with a complex set of rules to ensure quality and safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Even when acting as a counterbalance to the marketplace, government, Cuomo believes, can operate with something like the market's efficiency.

The New Yorker

First up, we have the FA, whose abortive efforts to get the website taken down this week have revealed its comical impotence to the last four people in England who still imagined it to operate with something approaching professional adequacy.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Having operated with something of a Midas touch since they took control of projection mapping a few years back, they were the natural choice for the above documentary by Belgian filmmaker Dane Luttik, Augmented Reality, which explains its implementation and gives us a snapshot of how far it has come thus far.

Vice

When he says something, players operate with his mentality because he's so much a part of us.

The New York Times - Sports

He should also receive some credit for being the CFO during a time when Amazon continues to operate with very thin profit margins – something its shareholders have seemed to tolerate, buying into Amazon's long-term potential.

TechCrunch

The only assumption I operate with now is that suffering is something we all share.

Huffington Post

"They thought they could operate with impunity.

The New York Times

Finally, operate with slack.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Out here we operate with "aloha spirit".

Forbes

They operate with complicated rules.

Huffington Post

The treadle pump, which is operated with pedals -- something like a Stairmaster -- allows a farmer to sharply increase the water he can use to irrigate crops.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "operate with something", ensure that the 'something' is clearly defined and relevant to the context. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "operate with something" in situations where a more precise verb would be more effective. For instance, instead of saying "The team operates with data," consider "The team analyzes data" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "operate with something" functions as a verb phrase indicating the manner or means by which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms that it describes the process of using or functioning with a specific tool, system, or resource, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "operate with something" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the manner in which an entity functions by employing a specific tool, system, or principle. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correct and usable in written English. While maintaining a neutral register, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the 'something' is clearly defined to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "work with something", "utilize something", or "employ something" for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work with something

This alternative is more general and can refer to using something or collaborating with it.

function with something

This emphasizes the operational aspect of using something.

utilize something

This implies a more purposeful and efficient use of something.

employ something

This suggests a more formal and systematic use of something.

engage with something

This emphasizes interaction and involvement with something.

handle something

This focuses on the management or manipulation of something.

manage with something

This indicates dealing with something effectively.

manipulate something

This implies skillful control of something, potentially for a specific purpose.

deal with something

This alternative refers to taking action to solve a problem.

run with something

This suggests moving forward or progressing with something.

FAQs

How can I use "operate with something" in a sentence?

You can use "operate with something" to describe the process of using or functioning with a specific tool, system, or resource. For example, "The company operates with a strict code of ethics."

What are some alternatives to "operate with something"?

Some alternatives include "work with something", "utilize something", or "employ something", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "operate under something" instead of "operate with something"?

"Operate under something" implies operating within a set of rules or conditions, while "operate with something" implies using a tool or resource. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "operate with" and "operate without"?

"Operate with" means to function using something, while "operate without" means to function in the absence of something. For example, "operate with caution" versus "operate without fear".