operated as intended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "operated as intended" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a system, device, or process that functions correctly and meets its design specifications. Example: "After conducting several tests, we confirmed that the machinery operated as intended throughout the entire production cycle."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Critics say the system has never truly operated as intended.

The New York Times

We have the ironic problem that if an intervention worked, it's possible it did so because the mechanism hypothesized was correct and operated as intended.

Columbia University

It is shown that drivers' physical capabilities reduce with age and that there are associated difficulties in setting up an optimal driving position such that some controls cannot be operated as intended, and many adapt their driving cabins.

Applied Ergonomics

The NTSB similarly found that the system operated as intended – but also cited the driver's inattentiveness, a result of his excess reliance on the Autopilot tech, was a cause in the death.

TechCrunch

What the DMV should have done is examined the test data and decided whether it had enough proof to allow the cars to be operated as intended by regular consumers, not the manufacturers' employees.

Los Angeles Times

Namely both sources strict use of the Volt's "gasoline engine only" EPA fuel economy rating of 37 mpg, when in fact when operated as intended any real-world use will most typically include an initial 38 miles of all-electric power during which zero gasoline would be consumed.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Each structure needs to be virtually identical to ensure that a circuit operates as intended.

MIT Technology Review

The evaluation of the CSI consists of two main components, both including various substudies: ▪ A process evaluation, which examines the extent to which the programme is operating as intended by assessing programme operations and determining how well the target population has been reached (non response and acceptability).

BMC Infectious Diseases

CHPS also offers a maintenance and operations manual for keeping high-performance features operating as intended.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Further, an identification of a web-service as a business relevant object is causally more precise in the terms of an operation perspective: A failing database might cause a web-service to not operate as intended and therefore might lead to an unaccomplishment of a business-process.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Weapons could fail to operate as intended.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the performance of systems or processes, use "operated as intended" to clearly communicate that they are functioning correctly and meeting design expectations. This is particularly useful in technical reports, evaluations, and quality assurance documentation.

Common error

While "operated as intended" is a clear and precise phrase, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "worked fine" or "did what it was supposed to do" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "operated as intended" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as an adjective to describe a system, process, or device. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "operated as intended" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for describing systems, devices, or processes that function correctly and meet their design specifications. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, it can also be appropriate in formal business settings. When writing, be mindful of the context and choose simpler alternatives in informal settings. Understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and register can help you use "operated as intended" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functioned as designed

Emphasizes the design aspect and how the item fulfilled its specifications.

worked as expected

Focuses on the expectation of performance, indicating that the outcome aligned with what was anticipated.

performed according to specifications

Highlights adherence to pre-defined technical or operational criteria.

ran as planned

Implies a smooth execution in line with a predetermined plan or procedure.

behaved as programmed

Relevant for describing software or automated systems, indicating correct execution of coded instructions.

fulfilled its purpose

Stresses the achievement of the intended outcome or objective.

achieved its objective

Similar to "fulfilled its purpose", but more formal and highlights goal attainment.

served its function

Highlights the utility and designed purpose of the object in question.

acted as required

Focuses on meeting necessary or mandated performance standards.

yielded the expected results

Emphasizes that the outcome was consistent with the intended or predicted outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "operated as intended" in a sentence?

You can use "operated as intended" to describe a system, device, or process that is functioning correctly and meeting its design specifications. For example: "The safety mechanism "operated as intended", preventing any potential harm."

What can I say instead of "operated as intended"?

You can use alternatives like "functioned as designed", "worked as expected", or "performed according to specifications", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "operated as intended" or "operated as designed"?

Both "operated as intended" and "operated as designed" are correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on the specific context and the emphasis you want to convey.

What's the difference between "operated as intended" and "worked as expected"?

"Operated as intended" emphasizes that something functioned according to its design, while ""worked as expected"" focuses on meeting anticipated outcomes. The former is more technical, the latter is more general.