operates

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "operates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "operates" to refer to an ongoing action or a business or organization that is functioning or active. Example sentence: The company operates in seven different countries.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The company, which is the largest provider of urgent care services in the country, already operates the Suffolk out-of-hours GP and dental service and recently started providing NHS 111 services in Hillingdon and Croydon.

The Guardian

A moderate form of sharia was introduced in the majority-Muslim northern states in the 1990s, but it operates alongside secular courts.

The Guardian

It does not allow doctors enough space to adequately describe a patient's diagnosis and instead operates on a "drop down box system".

The Guardian

In its analysis, Moat housing association, which provides social housing across the south-east of England, found that every three-bedroom social home across all 35 areas it operates would become instantly unaffordable for residents receiving full housing benefit if the cap were reduced to £23,000 and that all two-bedroom homes would be unaffordable within six years.

The Guardian

Amazon said: "Amazon pays all applicable taxes in every jurisdiction that it operates within.

The Guardian - Business

The company, which also operates in the US and Germany, argues that limits on the use of nicotine that can be used in e-cigarettes will also mean they can only offer a "muted choice" to users of more dangerous and toxic tobacco.

The Guardian

In published details about the turnover, tax and headcount of the main countries in which its operates, Barclays also revealed it paid just £20m of tax in Luxembourg.

The Guardian - Business

The organisation, which operates from three marinas – Bandar al-Rowdha, Wave-Muscat and Mussanah – is now supervising the construction of a fourth centre at Sur.

The Guardian - Sport

I love a nice frock as much as the next woman, but I am also concerned that the industry often operates in a moral vacuum, arrogantly isolating itself from social mores and moral codes by which the rest of us are not only expected to live but are actually perfectly happy to abide by.

The Guardian - Opinion

That Obama, when asked about transparency, has to cite a court that operates in complete secrecy demonstrates how little actual transparency there is to any this.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our contemporary audience operates with different skills and needs and assumptions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system or organization, use "operates" to clearly indicate its functional status or active involvement. This avoids ambiguity and provides a professional tone to your writing.

Common error

Prefer the active voice when using "operates". Instead of saying "The system is operated by...", use "The team operates the system" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The term "operates" primarily functions as a verb in the third-person singular form. It indicates that a subject (e.g., a company, system, or organization) is performing a specific action, running, or functioning, as supported by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "operates" is a highly versatile verb commonly used to describe the functioning or active state of an entity, ranging from businesses to systems. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence in various contexts, especially in news and media. While alternatives like "functions" or "runs" exist, understanding the subtle nuances will enhance clarity and precision in writing. To ensure effective communication, use active voice constructions and avoid ambiguity by clearly stating what or who "operates". With its widespread usage and well-defined meaning, mastering "operates" can greatly improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functions

Emphasizes the action of performing or serving a purpose; focuses on how something works or is used.

runs

Implies ongoing management or control; emphasizes continuation and process.

manages

Focuses on oversight and control over resources or personnel.

administers

Highlights the process of supervising or managing the execution or application of a plan, law, or project.

conducts

Emphasizes the organized carrying out of an activity or experiment.

performs

Focuses on the execution or accomplishment of a task or action.

executes

Highlights the precise and controlled implementation of a plan or order.

undertakes

Implies taking on a responsibility or task, especially one that is complex or significant.

implements

Focuses on putting a decision or plan into effect.

utilizes

Emphasizes making practical and effective use of resources or tools.

FAQs

How can I use "operates" in a sentence?

The verb "operates" can be used to describe how something functions or is managed. For example, "The company "operates" in multiple countries" or "The program "operates" on a specific set of rules".

What are some alternatives to "operates"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "functions", "runs", or "manages" to convey a similar meaning to "operates".

Which is correct: "operates" or "is operating"?

Both "operates" and "is operating" can be correct, depending on the intended meaning. "Operates" suggests a general or habitual action, while "is operating" indicates an action that is currently in progress.

What's the difference between "operates" and "controls"?

"Operates" typically refers to the functioning or running of a system or organization, whereas "controls" implies having the power or authority to direct or regulate something. For instance, a company "operates" its business, while a government controls its borders.