operator

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "operator" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun to refer to someone whose job is to operate machinery or equipment. For example, "The factory hired a new operator to work the assembly line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Luxury breaks offering great food and smart hotels are being created by firms such as Fusion Escapes, a three-year-old specialist operator which founder, Rachel Harvey, says was launched "to fill the gaping hole in the travel market for single professionals used to the finer things in life".

The Guardian - Travel

Asked by the operator if he was saying he had killed somebody, he replied simply: "Yes, I am".

The Guardian

Outlining his story in a matter-of-fact manner, the controlling killer told the operator: "I grabbed the knife and stabbed him in the back of the neck, I believe somewhere near the brain stem.

The Guardian

Now, under pressure from the UK government and French nuclear operator EDF, the commission is preparing to perform a U-turn".

The Guardian

Mora's film, featuring 20 actors, mostly friends who worked for free, was shot on Betacam with Walter Bal, operator on Francois Truffaut's Day for Night.

The Guardian - Film

Someone would have cracked, whispered or cashed in; which points to Nakamoto being a lone operator.

The Guardian

What is now understood by ball-tampering, though, is the careful treatment of the ball into a condition that will enable it, with the aid of a skilled operator, to reverse-swing.

The Guardian - Sport

The train operator advised passengers to use alternative routes with South West Trains and Chiltern Trains and has offered refunds to travellers who decide not to travel on Saturday.

The Guardian - Business

Audioboo also keeps your messages stored, unlike your mobile operator, along with your geo-location data and any associated imagery, file names and so on.

The Guardian - Tech

Greenwood says we have seen the benefits of having a not-for-dividend rail operator recently.

The Guardian

If the network operator decides SBR is necessary this winter, it will launch a competitive tender for a specific amount of spare capacity.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "operator", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being operated. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "operator" implies a high level of skill or authority. Always clarify the operator's specific duties and limitations to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "operator" is that of a noun, typically referring to an individual or entity that manages or controls a system, machine, or service. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "operator" functions primarily as a noun and is very commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig. It typically refers to someone or something that manages, controls, or operates a system, machine, or organization. While grammatically correct, it's important to ensure context provides sufficient clarity about what is being operated. Ludwig AI indicates the term is used in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. The top authoritative sources are The Guardian, The Guardian - Business, The Guardian - Travel, The Guardian - Tech, and The Guardian - Sport.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

machine operator

Specifies the type of operator, focusing on those who operate machinery.

telephone operator

Specifically refers to operators in telecommunications.

tour operator

Indicates a company or person arranging tours.

system administrator

Focuses on the administration of computer systems, similar to operating them.

driver

Someone who controls a vehicle.

controller

Someone who directs or regulates something.

handler

Someone who manages or deals with something or someone.

manipulator

A person who controls or influences people or situations cleverly or unscrupulously.

technician

A person skilled in a particular technical field.

agent

Someone acting on behalf of another person or entity.

FAQs

How can I use "operator" in a sentence?

You can use "operator" to refer to someone who operates a machine, a company that runs tours, or someone who manages a system. For example, "The machine "operator" is responsible for ensuring the equipment runs smoothly".

What are some alternative terms for "operator"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "technician", "handler", or "controller". The best choice depends on the specific role being described.

What's the difference between an "operator" and a "technician"?

While both "operator" and "technician" work with equipment, a technician typically has more specialized training and is involved in maintenance and repair, whereas an operator primarily runs the equipment.

In what contexts is the term "operator" most frequently used?

The term "operator" is commonly used in contexts related to transportation (e.g., train operator), telecommunications (e.g., telephone operator), and manufacturing (e.g., machine operator). It is also used in the context of tourism such as "tour "operator"".