reasonable working order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonable working order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is functioning adequately or satisfactorily, often in reference to equipment or machinery. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, we need to ensure that all tools are in reasonable working order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It seems that our alternative to keeping things in reasonable working order on this planet is an extremely dicey future on a brave new world of liquid nitrogen, tar, and smog.

The New Yorker

"The Talls," by Anna Kerrigan, is the rare play about an American family in reasonable working order.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"You back in working order?" Clare says.

The New Yorker

Everything was in working order.

Wikipedia

Your clock should be in working order.

WikiHow

Frequently inspect appliances to ensure working order.

WikiHow

Make sure everything is in working order.

WikiHow

Philo insists on a reasonable working day.

Independent

My sense is that everybody talks about this, but I'm not sure how serious managers are about the tradeoffs they would have to make in order to attract and retain more women -- such as reorganizing basic work processes to allow for more reasonable work hours, or changing the norms about acceptable behavior.

Forbes

Maintain a reasonable work and personal schedule.

Columbia University

Today he works for a company that offers a much more reasonable work-life balance.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the condition of equipment or systems, use "reasonable working order" to indicate an acceptable, though not necessarily perfect, level of functionality. This avoids implying flawless condition while still conveying usability.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonable working order" when the item is brand new or in perfect condition. Opt for phrases like "excellent condition" or "new" to accurately reflect its state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable working order" functions as a descriptive term, typically an adjective phrase modifying a noun. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it indicates that something is functioning adequately. It describes a state of functionality that is acceptable, though not necessarily perfect.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonable working order" is a phrase used to describe something that is functioning adequately, even if not perfectly. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While not overly formal, it’s versatile enough for various settings. Alternatives like "satisfactory operating condition" can be used in more formal contexts. When employing the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the state being described, avoiding overstatement. The phrase indicates an acceptable level of functionality suitable for intended use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

satisfactory operating condition

Replaces "reasonable" with "satisfactory" and "working order" with "operating condition" for a more formal tone.

adequate functional state

Uses "adequate" instead of "reasonable" and "functional state" instead of "working order", emphasizing sufficiency.

serviceable condition

Emphasizes the ability to provide service or function adequately.

decent working state

Replaces "reasonable" with "decent" to indicate an acceptable but not necessarily optimal condition.

properly functioning

Focuses on the correct operation of something.

operational readiness

Highlights the state of being ready for operation or use.

fit for purpose

Indicates that something is suitable for its intended use, implying a reasonable working order.

in good repair

Focuses on the state of repair, suggesting functionality and maintenance.

moderately functional

Emphasizes a moderate level of functionality, less than optimal but still acceptable.

partially operational

Indicates that something is operational to some extent, but not fully.

FAQs

How can I use "reasonable working order" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonable working order" to describe the condition of something, such as "Before starting the project, ensure all the tools are in "reasonable working order"."

What's a good alternative to "reasonable working order"?

Alternatives include "satisfactory operating condition" or "adequate functional state", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is "reasonable working order" too informal for professional settings?

While acceptable, in certain formal contexts, a phrase like "satisfactory operating condition" might be more appropriate. The choice depends on the specific audience and the document's tone.

What does it mean when something is described as being in "reasonable working order"?

It means that the item functions adequately for its intended purpose, even if it's not in perfect or brand-new condition. It implies a level of functionality that is acceptable but not necessarily optimal.