properly working

USAGE SUMMARY

"properly working" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe equipment, systems, or processes that are functioning as they should. For example, "The machine was properly working after the repair was completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

I would leave at 3 or 4 A.M., and then David would start properly working afterwards.

The New Yorker

The government is always trying to push the Alternative Dispute Redressal (A.D.R ., but these institutions are not properly working.

The New York Times

Then, computer simulations could predict the likely effect of enforcement steps, charges or incentives to buy properly working mufflers for vehicles without them.

The New York Times - Tech

Acute pain is like a properly working alarm system: the pain proportionally matches the amount of damage, and it disappears when the underlying problem does.

The New York Times - Magazine

Being Spanish, she does not have to endure the class snobbery that dogged Mrs Blair ("Is she or isn't she properly working class?").

The Guardian

In spite of its greyness Fallout seems to shade it for most bloggers by dint of a properly working levelling system and shotguns being better than spells.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

It hadn't been properly worked out".

The Guardian

This is why the unreliable narrator, handled properly, works so well.

The Guardian - Books

For the past hundred years, directors have properly worked as equal artists alongside actors and playwrights.

The Guardian - Books

The Tories have put no properly worked up policies in front of us.

The Guardian - Business

The New Yorker, August 27 , 1927P. 25 The tip racket, properly worked out, calls for elaborate details and good acting.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system or process, ensure that "properly working" is followed by a clear explanation of what constitutes proper function in that specific context. For instance, "The software is properly working when it accurately processes user data and generates the required reports."

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "properly working" without providing details. Instead of saying, "The device is properly working", specify the observed behavior: "The device is properly working, maintaining a consistent temperature of 37°C."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "properly working" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun (system, device, machine, etc.) by indicating its state of correct functionality. As Ludwig AI explains, this description is widely accepted and can be used in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "properly working" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that is functioning as intended. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. While common, it's essential to provide specific details about how something is "properly working" to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "functioning correctly" or "operating as intended" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Remember that, while versatile, it is a more effective communicative practice to detail the functionality in order to be accurate and informative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functioning correctly

Replaces the adverb "properly" with "correctly" and uses the participle "functioning" instead of the verb "working".

working effectively

Replaces "properly" with "effectively", focusing on the efficiency of the operation.

operating as intended

Substitutes "properly working" with a more descriptive phrase emphasizing the design purpose.

in good working order

Uses a common idiom to convey the idea of being functional and ready for use.

running smoothly

Replaces "properly working" with a phrase that gives emphasis on the action of working without problems.

functioning as designed

Emphasizes that the action of working is as intended.

performing adequately

Emphasizes that the action of working is good enough to meet the requirement.

fully functional

Emphasizes the condition of something to be completely working.

in proper condition

Replaces action of working with the condition of something, that is in proper condition.

doing its job

Replaces the formal expression of working with a more colloquial idiom.

FAQs

How can I use "properly working" in a sentence?

You can use "properly working" to describe equipment, systems, or processes that are functioning as they should. For example, "The newly installed air conditioning system is "properly working", maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the building".

What are some alternatives to saying "properly working"?

Alternatives include "functioning correctly", "operating as intended", or "in good working order" depending on the context.

Is "properly working" formal or informal?

"Properly working" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal or technical writing, more precise language might be preferred.

What does it mean when something is described as "properly working"?

When something is described as ""properly working"", it means that it is functioning as intended or designed, without any malfunctions or errors.