remain functional

USAGE SUMMARY

"remain functional" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something continues to perform as it should. For example, "We need to ensure that the network systems remain functional during the upgrade."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In contrast the low-internalizing agonist remains fully active following the second administration, demonstrating that non-internalized receptors remain functional.

Plosone

The gland requires constant replenishment to remain functional throughout life, but the identity of sebaceous gland stem cells remains enigmatic.

Development (Cambridge)

Guns remain functional for centuries.

The New York Times

Thierry Bosquet's costumes remain functional, his sets by turns attractive and flat.

The New York Times - Arts

Our findings support the suggestion that virus-specific T cells remain functional after irradiation.

Nature

Meeting these requirements will give EnHANTs the capability to remain functional in highly energy-constrained environments.

Columbia University

Basic dial tone and automated services would remain functional, and emergency services like 911 would also operate normally.

The New York Times

Mature eggs remain functional for a relatively short period of time, after which fertilization cannot occur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You can feel literally buffeted, gaining a visceral experience of how much the senses edit out to remain functional, if not sane.

The New York Times

Fault-tolerant control addresses the control of dynamical systems such that they remain functional after the occurrence of a fault.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

These data confirm that bovine islets contained within devices and implanted subcutaneously remain functional for several days.

Biomaterials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing system resilience, use "remain functional" to emphasize the system's ability to perform its core functions even under stress or partial failure. For instance, "The backup generator ensures critical systems remain functional during power outages."

Common error

Avoid using "remain functional" in contexts where simpler terms like "work" or "operate" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or complex. For example, instead of "The pen will remain functional for a long time", consider "The pen will work for a long time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain functional" typically functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject as continuing to be in working order. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a valid and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

28%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remain functional" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something that continues to work or operate as intended. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in scientific, technical, and professional settings. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in discussions about systems, biological processes, and equipment performance. While highly versatile, it's important to avoid overuse in contexts where simpler language would suffice. Related phrases include "stay operational" and "continue to work", offering alternative ways to express the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay operational

Focuses on the ongoing operational state of something, suggesting it continues to be in service.

continue to work

Emphasizes the continuation of working or performing a task.

stay in working order

Highlights the maintenance of good condition and proper functioning.

maintain operability

Stresses the act of keeping something capable of operating.

preserve functionality

Focuses on actively maintaining the ability to perform functions.

hold up

Emphasizes endurance and the ability to withstand challenges while still functioning.

keep going

Implies an uninterrupted continuation of activity or operation.

persist in working

Highlights the continuation of working, often against some resistance.

endure functionally

Stresses the ability to last or survive while maintaining functionality.

sustain performance

Focuses on maintaining a level of performance over time.

FAQs

How can I use "remain functional" in a sentence?

Use "remain functional" to indicate that something continues to operate or perform its intended task. For example, "It is important that equipment "remain functional" even during a power outage."

What are some alternatives to "remain functional"?

Alternatives include "stay operational", "continue to work", or "stay in working order" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to say "remains functional" or "remain functional"?

"Remains functional" is used with singular subjects, while "remain functional" is used with plural subjects or when referring to a general condition. For example, "The backup system remains functional" versus "The backup systems remain functional".

What does it mean for something to "remain functional"?

When something "remains functional", it means it is still capable of performing its intended purpose or task. This suggests that despite potential challenges or wear, the item or system continues to operate effectively.