starts functioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starts functioning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the moment when something begins to operate or work as intended. Example: "Once the system is installed, it starts functioning immediately without any additional setup."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Sometimes it can take days before the new organ starts functioning, but in Mr Y's case, it was almost instantaneous.

The Guardian

Sixteen big German firms of the Ruhr, where the German armament crowd has always had its headquarters, are ready to start West Germany's first atomic pile, at Dusseldorf, just as soon as the Paris treaty starts functioning.

The New Yorker

But while it is not at all clear that a return to normal lending between banks would restore credit availability to companies that are finding it difficult to borrow, it is hard to imagine that happening unless the interbank market starts functioning smoothly again.

The New York Times

In practice, pilots have to be very much in the loop, ready to intervene ("pick up the slack," as they say) when flight plans suddenly change, or one or other of the plane's automated systems starts functioning in a reduced operating mode, contributing to the so-called "minimum equipment list".

The Economist

Yet cracks have emerged in the union even before it starts functioning next January.In this section Stuffed again Paint it black The exodus The bear on the doorstep Buddhist power Congress after the cataclysm ReprintsMr Putin plainly views it as a way to project Russian power.

The Economist

Through payment processing, Dorsey said Square starts functioning like web analytics for smaller businesses.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"But I believe these panchayats will start functioning again".

The New York Times

Soon, the heart started functioning, spurting blood into the air with each contraction.

The New Yorker

"Once we come out of administration we can start functioning as a normal football club again.

The Guardian - Sport

I cannot start functioning without a minimum of two double espressos.

The New York Times

Once the city was secure, the Brits helped the state to start functioning again.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical systems or processes, consider using "starts functioning" to clearly indicate the point at which the system becomes active and operational. This avoids ambiguity and provides a clear understanding of the system's behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "starts functioning" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "starts working" or "gets going" are more appropriate. The phrase can sound overly formal in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starts functioning" primarily acts as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action or process. It signifies the point at which something begins to operate or work as intended. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "starts functioning" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the commencement of an operation or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It finds frequent use in News & Media and Science contexts, reflecting a register from neutral to formal. While alternatives like "begins to work" and "becomes operational" exist, "starts functioning" provides a clear and precise way to indicate when something begins to operate as intended. The key is to ensure the level of formality is appropriate for the writing context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starts to operate

A more direct synonym, replacing 'functioning' with 'operate'.

begins to work

Replaces 'functioning' with the more general 'work'.

becomes operational

Emphasizes the state of being ready for operation.

commences operation

A more formal alternative to 'starts functioning'.

kicks into gear

More informal and idiomatic, suggesting energetic commencement.

comes online

Common in technical contexts, indicating a system is active.

activates

Focuses on the act of making something active.

gets underway

Suggests the beginning of a process or activity.

initiates activity

Highlights the start of some form of activity.

is set in motion

Implies an external force initiates the functioning.

FAQs

What does "starts functioning" mean?

"Starts functioning" means to begin to operate or work correctly. It describes the point at which something becomes active and performs its intended purpose.

What are some alternatives to "starts functioning"?

Alternatives include "begins to work", "becomes operational", or "kicks into gear" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "starts functioning" or "starts working"?

Both are correct, but "starts functioning" is more formal and often used in technical or professional contexts. "Starts working" is more general and can be used in a wider range of situations.

How can I use "starts functioning" in a sentence?

Example: "The new system starts functioning as soon as it is installed." You can also say, "The heart "started functioning" after the surgery".