operation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "operation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing a process, a medical procedure, or a military action. Example: "The operation was successful, and the patient is now recovering well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 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

The case has already been referred to the police ombudsman but, as the first minister has said, we should have a full, independent examination of the whole operation of this scheme.

The Guardian

The new European operation will have only a third of the resources of the Italian operation that is being phased out.

The Guardian

In 2012, a bidding war for GMG Radio – the third largest radio group in the UK – resulted in Global Radio paying £70m for the barely profitable operation.

The Guardian

We might interpret it to mean we're all in this together; every state, every individual, is part of a united operation built from 13 colonies with a vision.

The Guardian

There was a misplaced confidence drawn from the experience of 2010 when a Stakhanovite get-out-the-vote (GOTV) operation saved scores of seats that David Cameron should have bagged, given the national swing to the Tories.

The Guardian - Opinion

Often ostensibly secular and radically libertarian, for decades they have lobbied to turn public education – currently an $85bn federal operation – into an industrial complex.

The Guardian

"The court held that, in their operation with respect to the challenged funding agreement and the challenged payments made under that agreement, none of the challenged provisions is a valid law of the commonwealth," the high court said in a judgment summary.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Co-operation is required from all sides so that the cash flow problem is confronted," he said.

The Guardian

Platini said it was possible that Uefa could withdraw its co-operation from Fifa if Blatter won or even boycott the World Cup altogether.

The Guardian - Sport

"It gives you a certain set of values that are around co-operation and concern for your neighbours," she says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "operation", clearly define the type of operation you are referring to (e.g., surgical, military, business) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "operation" when a more specific term like "procedure", "project", or "process" would provide greater clarity. Vague usage can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The term "operation" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a process, method, or action. Ludwig AI indicates it's usable in various contexts, including processes, medical procedures, or military actions, as shown in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The noun "operation" is a versatile term denoting a method, process, or planned undertaking. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and broad usability. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. When writing, specifying the type of "operation" enhances clarity. Related terms include "procedure", "process", and "functioning", each with slightly different connotations. The authoritative sources showcase varied applications of the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

procedure

Focuses on the specific steps or methods used to accomplish something, rather than the broader undertaking.

process

Emphasizes a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular outcome, often implying a systematic approach.

functioning

Highlights the way something works or operates, often in a mechanical or biological sense.

activity

Refers to a specific action or pursuit, often within a defined context or organization.

enterprise

Implies a complex or challenging undertaking, often involving multiple people or resources.

venture

Suggests a risky or uncertain undertaking, often with the potential for significant reward or loss.

campaign

Typically used in military, political, or marketing contexts to denote a series of planned actions.

project

Refers to a specific, planned undertaking with a defined scope and timeline.

maneuver

Often implies a strategic or tactical action, especially in military or competitive contexts.

practice

Refers to the habitual or customary way of doing something.

FAQs

How is "operation" used in a medical context?

In a medical context, "operation" refers to a surgical procedure performed to treat a disease, injury, or other condition. For example, "She had an "operation to" remove her appendix".

What's the difference between "operation" and "procedure"?

"Operation" often implies a more significant or invasive action, particularly in medical or military contexts, while "procedure" is a more general term for a series of actions. It depends on the context and the need to emphasize the complexity of a set of actions.

Can "operation" refer to a business or organization?

Yes, "operation" can refer to a business, company, or organization, particularly when describing its functioning. For instance, "They run a multinational produce-supply "operation from" a storefront".

What other words can I use instead of "operation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "function", "procedure", "process", or "undertaking". The most fitting substitute is highly context-dependent.