stop functioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stop functioning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that ceases to operate or work as intended, such as a machine, device, or system. Example: "The old printer finally stopped functioning after years of heavy use."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Organs stop functioning.

Nature

The burning cables will stop functioning.

Flammability Testing of Materials Used in Construction, Transport and Mining

The transmitters might stop functioning because of dead batteries.

The New York Times

Too much meaning and an academic might just stop functioning.

The Guardian

"The EU aid cut doesn't mean the government will stop functioning.

The Guardian

As the illness progresses, the blood pressure drops dangerously low, and organs can stop functioning correctly.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

His kidneys eventually stopped functioning.

The New York Times

As a result, they stopped functioning.

The New York Times

Society stops functioning as well as it did.

The Guardian - Opinion

At this point, the banking system stops functioning.

The New Yorker

Crucial parts of the financial system have stopped functioning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the failure of a complex system, use "stop functioning" to convey a complete cessation of activity. For example, "After the power surge, the building's climate control system stopped functioning".

Common error

Avoid using "stop functioning" when simpler alternatives like "stopped working" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or technical in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stop functioning" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the cessation of an action or operation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct. Many examples from Ludwig showcase its application in describing the failure of various systems and devices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stop functioning" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the cessation of activity or operation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its versatility allows it to be applied across various contexts, from scientific discussions to news reports. While often interchangeable with simpler alternatives like "stopped working", "stop functioning" is particularly suitable when describing complex systems or processes. When writing, remember to consider your audience and the level of formality required to ensure your message is clear and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fail to work

Simple and direct; suitable for general contexts.

cease operation

Formal alternative; indicates a more official or mechanical halt.

break down

Suggests a sudden or unexpected failure.

shut down

Indicates a controlled or intentional stoppage.

become inoperative

More technical; often used for machinery or systems.

malfunction

Emphasizes that something is not working correctly.

go out of service

Implies a planned or scheduled termination of function.

quit working

Informal; suggests a more abrupt or unexpected cessation.

become defunct

Implies a state of no longer being effective or operational, often permanently.

give out

Informal way of saying that something has stopped working, usually due to wear or damage.

FAQs

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

You can use "stop functioning" to describe when something ceases to operate correctly. For instance, "The machine will "stop functioning" if it overheats."

What are some alternatives to "stop functioning"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "cease operation", "fail to work", or "break down" instead of "stop functioning".

When is it appropriate to use "stop functioning" over simpler phrases?

"Stop functioning" is suitable when describing the complete cessation of activity in complex systems or processes. Simpler phrases like "stopped working" are better for less formal contexts.

Is "stops functioning" grammatically correct?

Yes, "stops functioning" is grammatically correct and is the third person singular present tense form. For example, "The device "stops functioning" when the battery is depleted."