operating according to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "operating according to" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to function or work in accordance with something. Example: The company is operating according to strict safety protocols to ensure the well-being of its employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rightwing populists are operating according to different rules.

The Guardian - Opinion

He didn't seem to be operating according to financial logic," he said.

The New York Times - Style

The Trump campaign, though, is operating according to its own logic, or illogic.

The New Yorker

And the administrative cadres will receive training sessions on operating according to the following programme.

The Guardian

I want us all to be operating according to the principles of serving others before self.

The Guardian

A number of development organisations are already operating according to this logic.

The Guardian

"I worry about whether our company is operating according to the strategy we have in place.

The New York Times

It was in English and homogeneous, operating according to Western standards of openness.

The New York Times - Tech

It was Anglophone and homogeneous, operating according to Western standards of openness.

The New York Times

We are participants in societies, operating according to a broad social consensus.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only about half of those installed are operating, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms like "functioning in accordance with" or "guided by" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement. Be mindful of the context to choose the most appropriate alternative.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "operating according to" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "following" or "going by" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "operating according to" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or clause to specify the rules, principles, or standards governing an action or process. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

29%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "operating according to" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to specify the rules or principles guiding an action or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across various domains, including news, science, and academia. While versatile, it tends to be more suitable for neutral to professional contexts, where clarity and adherence to standards are paramount. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone and level of formality. If the situation calls for a more casual approach, alternatives like "following" or "going by" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functioning in accordance with

Replaces "operating" with "functioning" and "according to" with the more formal "in accordance with", suggesting a more official or structured adherence.

working within the framework of

Emphasizes the constraints or guidelines provided by a specific framework.

acting in compliance with

Highlights adherence to rules, laws, or regulations, suggesting a legal or regulatory context.

adhering to the principles of

Focuses on the foundational beliefs or doctrines that guide the operation.

following the guidelines of

Implies a more specific and directed set of instructions or recommendations.

under the terms of

Highlights that the action is being done because of the rules established by an agreement

pursuant to

A formal and legal term indicating that an action is done under the authority or permission of something.

governed by the rules of

Emphasizes the controlling or directing influence of established rules.

guided by the logic of

Suggests that something is being influenced by a logical train of thought

consistent with the standards of

Highlights that an action is coherent with a given set of conventions or industry norms

FAQs

How can I use "operating according to" in a sentence?

You can use "operating according to" to describe how something functions based on a set of rules, principles, or standards. For example: "The company is operating according to strict environmental guidelines."

What's a more formal way to say "operating according to"?

A more formal alternative is "functioning in accordance with". This phrasing is suitable for legal, business, or academic contexts where a higher degree of formality is required.

Are there simpler alternatives to "operating according to" for casual use?

Yes, in informal contexts, you can use phrases like "following", "going by", or "in line with". For example, instead of "The team is operating according to the plan", you could say "The team is following the plan."

What is the difference between "operating according to" and "working within the framework of"?

"Operating according to" generally refers to adhering to specific rules or guidelines, whereas "working within the framework of" suggests operating under the constraints and structure of a larger system or set of principles.