they are functioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are functioning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the operation or performance of a system, device, or group of people. Example: "Despite the challenges, they are functioning well as a team and meeting their deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"They are functioning adults".

The New York Times

They are functioning like a team again.

The New York Times - Sports

They are functioning in a much larger institutional culture.

The New York Times

Transponders must be regularly calibrated and checked to make sure they are functioning properly.

The New York Times

They are functioning under pressure in situations many adults would have trouble with".

The New York Times

Students cannot learn if they are not taught at the level at which they are functioning.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Their fellow revolutionaries have gone the way of all bourgeoisie; they're functioning and acquisitive.

The New York Times

He says, "Everyone understands they're functioning as arms of the candidate's campaign.

The New Yorker

I was put on the transplant list in September 2011 because of my poor lungs: they were functioning at about 29 per cent.

Independent

"They've been enslaved... they're functioning as machines.

BBC

The latter company advised and implemented Promise Technology solutions, which were supposed to monitor multiple computer hard drives in order to assure that they were functioning properly.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system or process, use "they are functioning" to clearly indicate that it is in an operational state. For example, "Ensure all safety mechanisms are in place and that "they are functioning" properly before starting the machinery".

Common error

Avoid using "they are functioning" when a more direct and active construction would be clearer. For instance, instead of saying "The devices are functioning as expected", consider "The devices function as expected" for a more concise statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are functioning" primarily serves as a declarative statement indicating the operational status of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for describing operation or performance. It describes whether something is working correctly or serving its intended purpose, as illustrated in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are functioning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the operational state of entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for diverse contexts including news, science, and business, showcasing its versatility. While "they are functioning" is widely accepted and understood, alternative phrasing like "they are operating" or "they are working" can add nuance or specificity to your writing. When using this phrase, be mindful of clarity and conciseness to ensure your message is effectively conveyed. The phrase is considered correct and very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are operating

Replaces "functioning" with "operating", emphasizing the action of working or running.

they are working

Uses "working" as a general term for being in a state of operation.

they are performing

Substitutes "functioning" with "performing", highlighting the execution of a task or duty.

they are in operation

Emphasizes the state of being active or in service.

they are running

Focuses on the continuous operation or execution.

they are effective

Shifts the focus to the success or accomplishment of a purpose.

they are active

Highlights the state of being engaged or involved in an activity.

they are in effect

Indicates that something is operational and producing results.

they are serving their purpose

Specifies that something is fulfilling its intended role.

they are fulfilling their function

Highlights the accomplishment of a task assigned to someone.

FAQs

How can I use "they are functioning" in a sentence?

Use "they are functioning" to describe a state of operation or performance. For example, "The team is ensuring that all systems are online and "they are functioning" correctly".

What's a more formal alternative to "they are functioning"?

A more formal alternative could be "they are operational" or "they are in effect". These options convey a similar meaning but are better suited for formal contexts.

What can I say instead of "they are functioning" to emphasize effectiveness?

To emphasize effectiveness, you can use alternatives like "they are effective" or "they are performing well", which highlight the successful completion of tasks.

Is it always necessary to specify how "they are functioning"?

No, but adding details can provide clarity. You might say "they are functioning efficiently" or "they are functioning according to specifications" to give a clearer picture.