operational

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "operational" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to functioning, effectiveness, or readiness, often in business, military, or technical discussions. Example: "The new software is now fully operational and ready for deployment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our line for all current operations should simply be: Border Protection Command does not comment on current operational information.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, a South Korean defence official said separately that North Korea could develop a fully operational submarine with ballistic missiles within two or three years.

The Guardian

North Korea's recent test-firing of a ballistic missile from a submarine was "very serious and concerning", South Korea said on Monday, with one defence official suggesting Pyongyang could have a fully operational platform in two or three years.

The Guardian

He said North Korea still needed time to develop additional equipment in order to make its submarine-launched missile system fully operational.

The Guardian

The latest Chilcot report concludes that while it is feasible to design a legally compliant regime, the use of intercept evidence would not be consistent with previous operational requirements and would incur significant costs and risks for uncertain benefits in terms of increased numbers of successful prosecutions.

The Guardian

The government said the measure would be used in limited operational situations but it was "critical to enable covert investigation of terrorism offences".

The Guardian

"This incident constitutes a potential breach of operational security and potentially the commission of a criminal offence under the commonwealth Crimes Act," an officer from the defence security authority wrote.

The Guardian

By Boxing Day, all 80 beds were operational.

The Guardian

The two police officers were members of Police Scotland's operational support division.

The Guardian

"In your study you should recognise the elements for the two different budgets related to the organisation of the Olympic Games: long-term investment in infrastructure and return on such investment on the one hand, and the operational budget on the other".

The Guardian - Sport

We are taking it a day at a time and we are progressing with our gradual operational plan.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system or process, use "operational" to emphasize its readiness and ability to perform its intended functions. For example, "The new system is now fully operational".

Common error

Avoid using "operative" when you mean "operational". "Operative" refers to someone who performs a specific function, whereas "operational" describes the state of being functional or ready for use.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "operational" primarily functions to describe the state of something being functional, ready, or related to operations. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "operational" is a commonly used adjective to describe the state of something being functional or ready for use. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and technical domains. When writing, it's essential to distinguish "operational" from similar terms like "operative", ensuring the most accurate word choice. Alternatives include "functional", "in service", or "ready for use". It is important to note that "operational" is distinct from the noun "operation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in operation

Similar to "operational" but emphasizes the active process.

in service

Focuses on the state of being actively used or providing a function.

ready for use

Emphasizes the preparedness and availability for a specific purpose.

working order

Highlights the condition of being in a functional and effective state.

up and running

Highlights the active and functional state of a system or process.

fully functional

Stresses the complete and proper functioning of something.

usable

Focuses on the capacity to be used effectively.

serviceable

Indicates that something is in a condition suitable for use or service.

active

Describes a state of being engaged in activity or function.

effective

Highlights the ability to produce a desired result or effect.

FAQs

How can I use "operational" in a sentence?

You can use "operational" to describe something that is functioning correctly or ready for use. For example, "The new software is now fully operational and ready for deployment."

What's the difference between "operational" and "operative"?

"Operational" describes a state of being ready for use or functioning, while "operative" refers to someone or something that performs a function.

What are some alternatives to using "operational"?

You can use alternatives like "functional", "in service", or "ready for use" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something is "operational"?

Yes, it is correct. "Operational" is a standard English adjective used to describe something that is in working order or ready for use.