to function properly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to function properly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the operational effectiveness or efficiency of a system, device, or process. Example: "For the software to function properly, it must be installed on a compatible operating system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I won't be able to function properly.

The Guardian

Internal compliance programs continue to function properly.

Columbia University

That equipment was found to function properly, he said.

The New York Times

I need seven or eight hours' sleep to function properly.

The Guardian - Money

She could not trust that system to function properly.

The Guardian - Opinion

The wires have continued to function properly in most patients.

The New York Times

This is required for them to function properly.

Stanford University

Many proteins require help from metal cofactors to function properly.

Current Opinion in Structural Biology

For the department to function properly, he writes, oversight must be consolidated.

The New York Times

Footnotes (1) The writer couldn't get his phone recording software to function properly for five minutes.

The Guardian - Film

Do we need to be fully dressed, he thought, for our memory to function properly?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context. If you're discussing human behavior, alternatives like "to perform effectively" or "to operate correctly" might be more appropriate.

Common error

While "to function properly" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or scientific writing. In these contexts, more precise alternatives such as "to operate optimally" or "to maintain operational integrity" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to function properly" serves as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to describe how something needs to operate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a standard English phrase. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to specify the conditions for correct operation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

27%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to function properly" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the conditions necessary for something to operate as intended. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it enjoys widespread use across various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. While it is generally acceptable, it's important to consider the specific context and choose alternatives like "to operate correctly" or "to work as intended" in more formal or technical situations. Remember that the clarity of your subject and avoidance of overuse are key to effective communication. Its high frequency and presence in authoritative sources underscore its reliability as a standard English phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to operate correctly

Focuses on the correctness of the operation, implying accuracy and precision.

to work as intended

Highlights the fulfillment of the intended purpose or design.

to perform effectively

Emphasizes the efficiency and impact of the action.

to run smoothly

Suggests a seamless and uninterrupted operation.

to be in good working order

Indicates the condition of being functional and ready for use.

to be fully functional

Highlights the completeness and totality of the functionality.

to achieve optimal performance

Focuses on reaching the highest possible level of performance.

to fulfill its purpose

Highlights the achievement of the intended goal or objective.

to serve its function

Emphasizes the role or utility of something.

to be fit for purpose

Implies suitability and adequacy for a specific task or requirement.

FAQs

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

You can use "to function properly" to describe the necessary conditions for something to work as intended. For example: "The software needs specific drivers "to function properly"."

What are some alternatives to "to function properly"?

Alternatives include "to operate correctly", "to work as intended", or "to perform effectively". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "to function properly" or "to work correctly"?

"To function properly" and "to work correctly" are often interchangeable, but "to function properly" might be preferred when discussing complex systems or processes. For simpler devices, "to work correctly" is perfectly acceptable.

What does it mean for a system "to function properly"?

When a system is said "to function properly", it means that it is operating in accordance with its design and meeting the required performance standards. This implies both accuracy and reliability.