should be functioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be functioned" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct form would typically be "should function" or "should be functioning." Example: "The device should function properly under normal conditions."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Providing all goes to plan, the charitable trust should be functioning by April next year, part-funded until 2022 through an annual government grant of £39m.

The Guardian

Environmental groups decried the decision to allow the one-time sales as premature, arguing that effective programs for monitoring elephant populations and poaching should be functioning before sales are even considered.

The New York Times

You should have started to settle in to your new role as team leader, and your lab should be functioning well.

Science Magazine

"It won't undo permanent damage, such as from emphysema, but it helps lungs that should be functioning well, but aren't".

BBC

The issue here, in Komer's words, is "the assumption is that men should be functioning rather than thriving".

Vice

On the other hand, Mig1 should be functioning to recruit Tup1 in the strains tested in our study, but was removed from the regression model only after the inclusion of other cofactors.

Plosone

The facility should be functioning in a few months.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The flash drive should be functioning now.

WikiHow

are interconnected and the clock should be functioning.

WikiHow

All three jumper leads should be connected and the clock should be functioning.

WikiHow

Connect the third jumper wire to the galvanized nail of potato A. Then connect its other end to the copper nail of potato B. By this stage all three jumper leads are interconnected and the clock should be functioning.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the intended operation of something, use "should function" or "should be functioning" for clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using the passive construction "should be functioned" as it is grammatically incorrect. Instead, use the active form "should function" or the continuous form "should be functioning".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be functioned" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is either "should function" or "should be functioning". This construction expresses an expectation or requirement for something to perform its intended action. According to Ludwig AI, the initial phrase is non-standard.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be functioned" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. The correct alternatives are "should function" or "should be functioning", depending on the intended meaning. The intended purpose is to express an expectation or requirement for something to work properly. The proper construction to express this meaning is to use the active form, "should function". Ludwig AI confirms that the initial phrase is non-standard and that there are zero examples of it being used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should function

This is the grammatically correct form, replacing the passive voice "functioned" with the active voice "function".

should be operating

This alternative emphasizes the ongoing activity of functioning, using the progressive form.

should be working

A more informal synonym for "operating", indicating that something is in a state of functionality.

is expected to function

This phrase shifts the focus to expectation rather than obligation.

is designed to function

Highlights the intended functionality based on design specifications.

should be utilized

Focuses on the action of using something, implying it should be put to its intended purpose.

should be active

Describes a state of being in operation, rather than the act of functioning.

needs to function

Expresses a requirement or necessity for something to work.

is required to function

Similar to "needs to function" but emphasizes a formal requirement.

ought to function

Implies a moral or logical obligation to function properly.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say something needs to work?

Use "should function" or "should be functioning". The phrase "should be functioned" is grammatically incorrect.

How can I rephrase "should be functioned" to sound more natural?

Consider using alternatives like "should function", "should be operating", or "is expected to function" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "should function" and "should be functioning"?

"Should function" describes a general ability or expectation, while "should be functioning" implies an ongoing process or current state of operation.

Is "should be functioned" ever appropriate?

No, "should be functioned" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. Use "should function" or "should be functioning" instead.