to function incorrectly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to function incorrectly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where something is not operating as intended or expected. Example: "The device tends to function incorrectly when the battery is low."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A team of researchers believed those rays, which come from outside our solar system, may have caused the Apollo astronauts' circulatory systems to function incorrectly.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

For instance, setting SetCPU function incorrectly for kernel overclocking results in high battery power consumption [29].

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Aggregating data and displaying discrepancies between annotations would present reviewers with an extensive number of possible errors including false positives, uncalled genes, genes without a predicted function, incorrectly predicted functions, and incorrect start sties.

Plosone

Hypotension can also occur if excessive ultrafiltration is programmed [ 5] or if the machine systems that measure the volumes function incorrectly.

Critical Care

Three models of disease production are generated: damage, in which IDSs function incorrectly; inadequate/inappropriate, in which IDS response is outstripped by a changing context; and evolving/learning, in which the IDS learned response to a context is deemed pathologic.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Due to the transparent nature of glass panels, laser rangefinders are unable to produce accurate readings which causes SLAM functioning incorrectly in these environments.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

This method if done incorrectly may cause your network connection not to function at all.

WikiHow

When functioning incorrectly, autoimmune diseases such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis ensue.

Peptide Applications in Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Bioengineering

To function before form?

The New York Times

Some struggle to function.

Huffington Post

Powers relate to functions.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to function incorrectly", ensure the context clearly indicates what the expected or correct function should be. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the message.

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "it was made to function incorrectly", which is wordy and indirect. Instead, prefer active constructions such as "it functions incorrectly" for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to function incorrectly" serves primarily as an infinitive phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the manner in which an action or process is carried out, specifically highlighting that it is not occurring as intended or designed. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to function incorrectly" is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Ludwig AI validates this assessment, noting its applicability in describing scenarios where something isn't operating as expected. While not overly frequent, it appears across various sources, particularly in science, news, and wiki contexts. Alternatives like "to operate improperly" or "to malfunction" can be considered depending on the nuance you want to convey. When employing the phrase, clarity is key; ensure that the expected function is evident to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to operate improperly

Focuses on the act of operating, highlighting the incorrect manner.

to work improperly

Similar to "operate improperly", but uses "work" as a more general term.

to malfunction

A more concise term that directly implies a failure in function.

to fail to function correctly

Emphasizes the failure aspect, adding an extra layer of clarification.

to not function as intended

Highlights the discrepancy between the actual function and the intended function.

to perform erroneously

Replaces "function" with "perform" and "incorrectly" with "erroneously", adding a formal tone.

to go wrong

A more informal way of saying something is not working properly.

to break down

Suggests a complete cessation of function.

to cease functioning correctly

Highlights the fact that it stopped functioning the way it should.

to be out of order

A common phrase for something not currently working.

FAQs

How can I use "to function incorrectly" in a sentence?

You can use "to function incorrectly" to describe a system, device, or process that is not operating as expected. For instance, "The device tends "to function incorrectly" when the battery is low."

What are some alternatives to "to function incorrectly"?

Alternatives include "to operate improperly", "to malfunction", or "to fail to function correctly". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "function incorrectly" or "malfunction"?

"Malfunction" is a more concise and direct term, while "function incorrectly" is more descriptive. The choice depends on the desired level of detail and the overall tone of the writing. Both options are grammatically correct.

What causes something "to function incorrectly"?

The reasons something might "to function incorrectly" vary widely. It could be due to design flaws, damage, improper maintenance, or external factors like environmental conditions.