they are operational

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are operational" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is functioning or in a state of readiness for use. Example: "The new systems have been tested and confirmed; they are operational and ready for deployment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Yes, there are still a lot of technical and financial hurdles around getting these devices up in the air and operating, let alone getting customers for the services once they are operational.

TechCrunch

"They are operational," he told his father.

The New York Times

The question is whether they are operational.

The New York Times

"They are operational now, and they are rethinking their paradigm," he said.

The New York Times

Drivers risk £130 fines for straying into any of the 30 miles of Games lanes marked for sole usage by accredited Olympic vehicles when they are operational.

The Guardian

The limitations of spying are demonstrated by the fact that Washington has yet to establish how many underground uranium enrichment plants the North has, where they are and whether they are operational.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"They were operational engineers".

The New York Times

To ensure they were operational, he slipped one over his hip and wore it throughout the day, including to an interminable meeting where he stood up and paced.

The New York Times

The report cited a document from 1998 which warned of "the conflict between ever-reducing resources and... increasing demands, whether they be operational, financial, legislative, or merely those symptomatic of keeping the old aircraft flying".

Independent

They just announced they're operational in Arkansas, so if you're short on funds but still need a mobile, see if you qualify.

TechCrunch

The approach presented herein can be generalized over other rain retrieval schemes and to any other pair of satellite missions even when they were operational during different periods of time.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system or process, clarify the specific functions that are "operational" to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "the system is operational", specify "the data entry and reporting modules are operational".

Common error

Avoid using "they are operational" excessively in contexts where simpler language would suffice. Instead of stating "all units are operational", consider "all units are working" for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are operational" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that certain entities are in a working or functioning state. This phrase confirms the readiness or functionality, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science & Research

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are operational" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that something is functioning correctly and ready for use. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse in favor of simpler alternatives when appropriate, ensuring clear and effective communication. Related phrases like "they are functioning" or "they are in service" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are functioning

Replaces "operational" with a direct synonym, focusing on the active state of working.

they are in service

Suggests that something is available and ready to be used.

they are up and running

Emphasizes the start-up and ongoing state of activity.

they are ready for use

Highlights the preparedness and availability of something.

they are active

Focuses on the state of being in action or capable of action.

they are working

A simpler, more general way to indicate that something is functioning correctly.

they are in effect

Implies that a rule, law, or system is currently active and being applied.

they are implemented

Highlights that something has been put into practice or effect.

they are available

Indicates that something is accessible and ready to be used.

they are online

Specifically indicates that a system or service is connected and functioning on the internet.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they are operational" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, you can use phrases such as "they are "fully functional"", "they are "in service"", or "they are "ready for deployment"".

What's the difference between "they are operational" and "they are working"?

"They are working" is a general statement indicating something is functioning. "They are operational" implies that something is not only working but also ready for its intended purpose within a larger system or process. It suggests a state of readiness and integration.

Is it correct to say "it is operational" instead of "they are operational"?

Yes, "it is operational" is correct when referring to a singular item, while "they are operational" is used for plural subjects. For example, "The server is operational", versus "The servers are operational".

What does it mean when something is described as "operational"?

When something is described as "operational", it means that it is in a state of readiness, functioning correctly, and available for its intended use. It's ready to perform its specific functions effectively.