perfectly functional

USAGE SUMMARY

"perfectly functional" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that works well or serves its intended purpose without any issues. For example, "The old printer is still perfectly functional despite its age." Alternative expressions include "fully operational," "completely effective," and "entirely usable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For Mayo and Jennings, the supposedly dysfunctional summer game was in fact perfectly functional.

The New York Times - Sports

It's in Adam Scott's perfect swing and Furyk's perfectly functional one.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm a novelist with a bad back, and need something more portable than my perfectly functional laptop for working on my manuscripts away from home.

The Guardian - Tech

Her right leg with the band on it remains swollen, but she seemed well and perfectly functional.

The New York Times

"Rather than manipulate materials to render them functional or render digital models towards a functional object," he said, "here I 'reverse' perfectly functional objects and render them useless".

The New York Times

While Mr. McMakin designs perfectly functional interiors and furniture, he does it with an artist's eye, eschewing conventional ideas of perfection or comfort.

The New York Times

Unpacking, I threw out some perfectly functional clothes -- pants, shirts, sweaters, shoes, belts, sport jackets, even an old pair of soccer shoes and new shin guards -- that had fallen out of my sartorial rotation.

The New York Times

The cruelest part is they insinuate that I might be a bit of a loser who hasn't found my path in life, when in fact I'm a perfectly functional, happy person, contributing to society by working and paying taxes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We've survived the Dumb and Dumber era of Tony Abbott – which was mainly just painful to watch, but did actually result in one legislative action that was entirely against Australia's national interest, the repeal of a perfectly functional carbon price.

The Guardian

From the article: The apartment is quite attractive and perfectly functional in all the typical ways, and its added features remained largely unnoticed by its inhabitants for quite some time after they moved in, in May of 2006.

The Guardian - Tech

I didn't make the connection that Nor did, between the power of what I read in books in my own time and the outward husk of learning, perfectly functional but not involving, that went on in the classroom.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perfectly functional" to clearly convey that something is working as intended, without any issues or deficiencies. This phrase is suitable for both technical and general contexts where functionality is key.

Common error

While "perfectly functional" is appropriate in many situations, avoid overusing it in very informal conversations. Simpler terms like "working fine" or "all good" might be more suitable in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perfectly functional" serves as an intensifier (perfectly) modifying an adjective (functional). This enhances the description of an object or system, confirming that it operates precisely as intended. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating this use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

29%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perfectly functional" is a common and versatile phrase used to describe something that works exactly as intended. Grammatically correct, it's found frequently in news, media and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's clear, positive connotation, indicating reliability and usability. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, simpler terms may be preferred in very casual settings. Related phrases like "fully operational" and "in perfect working order" can be used as alternatives, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fully operational

Emphasizes that something is completely ready and able to perform its intended function.

functioning optimally

Stresses that something is working at its best possible level.

in perfect working order

Highlights the condition of being in excellent shape for operation.

completely usable

Focuses on the practical aspect of being able to use something without limitations.

entirely serviceable

Implies that something adequately fulfills its function, though perhaps without excellence.

working flawlessly

Suggests that something is functioning without any errors or issues.

running smoothly

Emphasizes the ease and efficiency of operation.

in tip-top shape

An informal way to describe something being in excellent condition for use.

up and running

Indicates that something has been started and is now operating.

doing its job

A simple way of saying something fulfills its purpose.

FAQs

How to use "perfectly functional" in a sentence?

You can use "perfectly functional" to describe items or systems that are working as they should. For example, "The old laptop is still "perfectly functional" despite its age" or "The app is "perfectly functional" but could use some design improvements".

What can I say instead of "perfectly functional"?

Alternatives include "fully operational", "in perfect working order", or "completely usable", depending on the specific context.

Is "perfectly functional" formal or informal?

"Perfectly functional" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase. However, for very casual conversations, simpler terms might be preferred.

What does it mean for something to be "perfectly functional"?

When something is described as "perfectly functional", it means it is working exactly as intended and fulfilling its purpose without any problems or deficiencies.