possible to operate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possible to operate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the feasibility or capability of operating something, such as a machine, system, or process. Example: "It is important to determine if the new software is possible to operate on our existing hardware."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hyams's wealth came from a sector in which it is possible to operate quite anonymously.

The Guardian - Business

The flight left late, meaning that it was not possible to operate on his broken left collarbone.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, it's still quite possible to operate schools in Afghanistan — particularly when there's a strong "buy-in" from the local community.

The New York Times

If he does, he will prove that it is still possible to operate and succeed in today's political arena without sacrificing his integrity.

The New York Times

"Due to the nature of this mode of transport there will be times when adverse weather conditions mean it will not be possible to operate," said TfL.

The Guardian - Sport

BUT as Mr. Klawans has demonstrated, it is possible to operate a mutual fund on a far tighter budget and to be paid for one's trouble.

The New York Times

The east coast line has proved it is quite possible to operate a nationalised service at lower costs than the private companies.

The Guardian

It may be possible to operate such controls within a department, rewarding an effective school, say, and punishing an ineffective one.

The Economist

But for all the confusion brought by Toyota's decision, which affects eight models, dealers said they were trying, as much as possible, to operate normally.

The New York Times

He clipped the neck of a middle-cerebral-artery aneurysm — he's something of a master in the art — and performed a biopsy for a tumor in the thalamus, a region where it's not possible to operate.

The New Yorker

Dr. Fyodorov's high-tech assembly-line operating rooms, filled with the latest equipment custom-made by Siemens in Germany, made it possible to operate on hundreds of patients a day at his Research Institute of Eye and Microsurgery in Moscow.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system or device, ensure the context clearly indicates what conditions make it "possible to operate". Specify environmental factors, required tools, or user skills.

Common error

Avoid vague statements. Instead of saying "It's possible to operate the device", specify under what conditions or with what modifications it becomes "possible to operate" effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possible to operate" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a verb, describing the feasibility or potential for something to be used or managed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "possible to operate" is a versatile expression used to describe the feasibility of using or managing something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. Our analysis shows it's most frequently found in Science and News & Media contexts. While grammatically sound, providing specific context enhances clarity. Alternatives like "feasible to run" or "able to function" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid vagueness and specify the conditions under which something becomes "possible to operate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to function

Focuses on the ability to work or perform as intended.

capable of running

Emphasizes the inherent ability or capacity to perform the action of running.

feasible to run

Replaces "operate" with "run", implying a similar action of managing or controlling something.

in working order

Indicates that something is functional and ready to be operated.

viable to execute

Substitutes "possible" with "viable" and "operate" with "execute", suggesting the action is practical and achievable.

amenable to operation

Replaces "possible" with "amenable", indicating that something is receptive or agreeable to being operated.

can be used

Highlights the usability aspect of the subject, suggesting it is in working condition.

suitable for activation

Emphasizes suitability to activate a device or process.

fit for service

Implies a state of readiness and suitability for operation.

ready for action

Stresses the preparedness and availability to start operating.

FAQs

How can I use "possible to operate" in a sentence?

You can use "possible to operate" to describe a condition or state in which something can be used or run. For example, "It is only "possible to operate" the machine after the safety checks are completed".

What are some alternatives to "possible to operate"?

Alternatives include "feasible to run", "able to function", or "in working order", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "possible to operate" or "can operate"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Possible to operate" indicates that something is in a condition where operation is feasible. "Can operate" ("can operate") means that something has the ability or capability to be operated.

What's the difference between "possible to operate" and "easy to operate"?

"Possible to operate" refers to the feasibility of operation, whether something can be used. "Easy to operate" refers to the simplicity or user-friendliness of the operation, even if something is "possible to operate", it might not be easy.