operating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "operating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to functioning, managing, or running a system, machine, or organization. Example: "The operating system on my computer needs to be updated to improve performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Axact employees operating a boiler room-style operation also allegedly posed as US officials to bully potential customers into paying thousands of dollars for worthless accreditation.

The Guardian

We will want to determine that those responsible for operating this ride have done what the law requires.

The Guardian

The Health and Safety Executive has launched an investigation into what went wrong and to determine whether the theme park was operating the ride within the law.

The Guardian

@bartsfishtales SM Constance Braud's company, which has been operating on a small scale since 2008, mostly sources leaves from China producing some fantastic smoked teas, greens, whites and oolongs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In an interview (in Arabic) with Asharq al-Awsat newspaper while in London, Hadi lamented Yemen's past troubles, saying: "We have spent 50 years in Yemen operating on a kill or be killed basis... we've had continuing wars and unending disputes, Yemenis must leave this past of wars and disputes behind".

The Guardian

Four of the five firms are US corporations operating in Europe.

The Guardian

"The result is a hybrid, something between a state and a confederation, operating through ministerial meetings and a common bureaucracy,", decides Kissinger.

The Guardian

In a conversation with Cephas Msipa, one of the few remaining Zapu ministers of what had been a government of national unity, Sekeramayi reportedly said that "not only was Mugabe fully aware of what was going on" but the Fifth Brigade was operating "under Mugabe's explicit orders".

The Guardian

She adds: "All British firms and organisations operating in Qatar need to look carefully at the way the workers they rely on are treated, and universities like UCL can be no exception to that".

The Guardian

Recently, the company launched the latest release of its OS X operating system, codenamed Mavericks.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

According to the Prism documents, Skype had been co-operating with the NSA's scheme since February 2011, eight months before the software giant took it over.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system or organization, use "operating" to convey the idea of ongoing functionality or management. For instance, "The company is operating under a new business model."

Common error

Avoid using "operating" when a simpler verb like "running" or "working" would suffice. Overusing "operating" can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or complex.

Linguistic Context

The word "operating" functions primarily as a verb, specifically as the present participle of the verb "operate". As seen in Ludwig, it often describes the action of something functioning or being in use. It can also function as an adjective describing something involved in an operation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Tech

11%

Less common in

Science

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "operating" is a versatile term functioning as a verb or adjective, predominantly used to describe something in an active state. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently encountered across varied contexts like news, business, and technology. While alternatives such as "functioning" or "running" exist, "operating" holds its ground as a neutral and widely applicable term. When incorporating "operating" into your writing, ensure its usage aligns with its function of indicating an active process, and avoid overuse that may lead to unnecessary formality. Finally, always verify that you are using "operating system" instead of other similar, but incorrect, variants.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in operation

Focuses on the state of being active or functional, rather than the action itself.

in effect

Emphasizes the legal or practical validity and enforceability of something.

running

Highlights the continuous action of a system or process.

functioning

Stresses the ability to perform its intended purpose.

working

Implies a state of being active and productive.

managing

Highlights the control and direction of a process or organization.

controlling

Focuses on maintaining command and regulation over something.

executing

Emphasizes the performance or carrying out of a task or plan.

administering

Implies the responsible management and oversight of something.

performing

Highlights the act of carrying out a specific function or duty.

FAQs

How can I use "operating" in a sentence?

You can use "operating" to describe a business, system, or machine that is currently active or functioning. For example, "The factory is "currently operating" at full capacity."

What are some alternatives to the word "operating"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "functioning", "running", or "managing" instead of "operating".

Is it correct to say "operating system" or "operative system"?

The correct term is "operating system". "Operative system" is not a standard term in this context.

What is the difference between "operating" and "operational"?

"Operating" is a verb form describing the action of functioning or managing, while "operational" is an adjective describing something that is ready for use or in a state of functioning. For example, "The machine is operating efficiently" vs. "The machine is now operational".