operative for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "operative for" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to indicate that something is useful or effective for a specific purpose or task. Here are some examples: - "This new software is operative for data analysis and visualization." - "The new policy is operative for all employees, regardless of their position." - "The medication is operative for relieving pain and reducing inflammation." - "We need to find a solution that is operative for both short-term and long-term success." - "The emergency procedures are operative for any potential crisis situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Julia Roberts is Claire Stenwick, an operative for the C.I.A.

The New Yorker

They remain operative for many years, for decades".

The New Yorker

Skripal's daughter, Yulia, may have been an operative for Britain's MI5 intelligence service.

The Washington Post

The "pinch-off" mechanism is seen to be operative for ripple relaxation employing i-kinetics.

Harvard University

The three shared a relationship with a suspected operative for Osama bin Laden.

The New York Times

Government officials say they believe he was an operative for Al Qaeda who was plotting attacks.

The New York Times

It is shown that a melt/recrystallization process is operative for both methods of blend preparation.

Polymer

Thus, the principle of representation was established, but it did not become operative for decades to come.

Britannica

Peter Matthiessen's nephew recalls both his uncle's career as a writer and his experience as an operative for the C.I.A.

The New York Times

This marked the beginning of his years as an operative for a succession of Latin American governments.

The New York Times

It may be that other models are operative for nonatherosclerotic inflammatory disorders.

The American Journal of Cardiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "operative for", ensure the context clearly defines what is being operated or influenced. For example, specify the system, mechanism, or agent that is "operative for" a particular outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "operative for" without clearly specifying what it applies to. For example, instead of saying "The system is operative for handling data", specify "The new algorithm is operative for handling large datasets efficiently."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "operative for" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun by indicating its purpose or effectiveness in a specific context. As Ludwig highlights, it's used to describe something as useful or effective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "operative for" is a commonly used and grammatically correct construction that describes something's functionality or effectiveness. As Ludwig confirms, it's frequently used across diverse fields like news, science, and academia. The phrase often specifies the purpose or intended action of a subject. While versatile, writers should specify the system or mechanism to which the subject applies to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives such as "effective for" or "functional for" can be used depending on context. By following these guidelines, you can effectively integrate the phrase "operative for" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

effective for

Replaces "operative" with "effective", emphasizing the capacity to produce a desired result.

functional for

Substitutes "operative" with "functional", highlighting the ability to perform a task.

suitable for

Emphasizes the appropriateness of something for a particular purpose.

in effect for

Indicates something is currently active or in force.

applicable to

Highlights relevance or pertinence in a specific situation.

utilized for

Highlights the use of something for a particular function.

working for

Focuses on the action of being employed or active on behalf of someone or something.

instrumental in

Indicates being crucial or vital in achieving a certain outcome.

responsible for

Implies accountability or causality in relation to something.

designed for

Highlights the intended purpose or function of something.

FAQs

How can I use "operative for" in a sentence?

Use "operative for" to describe something that is functioning or effective for a specific purpose. For example, "This mechanism is "operative for" regulating temperature".

What's a good alternative to "operative for"?

Consider using phrases like "effective for", "functional for", or "suitable for" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "operative for" and "operational for"?

"Operative for" usually describes a function or mechanism being active, while "operational for" describes a system being in a state of readiness. They're similar, but not always interchangeable.

Can "operative for" be used to describe a person's role?

Yes, particularly in contexts like intelligence or political campaigns, where someone might be described as an ""operative for"" a particular organization or cause.