to function well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to function well" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the effectiveness or performance of a system, process, or individual in achieving desired outcomes. Example: "For the project to succeed, all team members need to communicate effectively and work together to function well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It seems to function well.

The Guardian

It seemed to function well.

The New York Times

The need to function well is another.

The Guardian

We are expected to function well early in the morning.

The New Yorker

"A sense of tolerance and non-prejudice are essential for any workplace to function well.

The Guardian

Importance of Good Nutrition For a body to function well, it needs to be fueled well.

The New York Times - Health

I learn that to function well I need 10 hours' sleep every night.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To function well, organizations need the threat of exit, otherwise voice is powerless.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it's important for the U.N. to be able to function well if we are going to keep the peace.

The New York Times

Simons understood that, whatever structure he set up, it ultimately needed to function well without his supervision.

The New Yorker

And our arcane rules and customs are deliberately intended to require broad coöperation to function well at all.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex systems or processes, use "to function well" to indicate that all components are working together harmoniously and efficiently. For instance, "For a team to function well, each member must understand their role and responsibilities."

Common error

Avoid using "to function well" in simple contexts where more direct language would suffice. Instead of saying "The light needs to function well", simply say "The light needs to work".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to function well" primarily serves as an infinitive phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable and correct. It describes the manner in which something operates or performs, often emphasizing effectiveness or efficiency. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to specify how something should work.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to function well" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that indicates effective or optimal performance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific writing. While highly useful, it's essential to avoid overusing this phrase in simple contexts where more direct language would suffice. Remember to consider alternative phrases like "to operate effectively" or "to perform optimally" to add nuance to your writing. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its reliability and acceptance in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to operate effectively

Focuses on the operational aspect, implying efficient performance.

to perform optimally

Emphasizes achieving the best possible performance.

to work properly

Highlights the correctness and appropriateness of the function.

to run smoothly

Implies an absence of problems or disruptions in the functioning.

to be in good working order

Focuses on the condition and state of functionality.

to serve its purpose

Highlights the fulfillment of the intended function or goal.

to fulfill its role

Emphasizes the successful execution of a designated role or function.

to be effective

Focuses on the capability of producing a desired result or effect.

to deliver results

Emphasizes the tangible outcomes or achievements of functioning.

to be efficient

Highlights the ability to avoid wasting materials, energy, efforts, money, and time in doing something or in producing a desired result.

FAQs

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

You can use "to function well" to describe something that is operating effectively or performing its intended purpose. For example, "The organization needs better communication "to function well"".

What are some alternatives to "to function well"?

Alternatives include "to operate effectively", "to perform optimally", or "to work properly", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "to function well" or "to work well"?

"To function well" and "to work well" are often interchangeable, but "to function well" may imply a more complex or systemic operation, while "to work well" is more general. It depends on the context which one is better.

What does it mean when something is described as needing "to function well"?

It means that the subject in question requires a satisfactory or effective level of performance in order to achieve its intended purpose or goal. It's closely related to "to operate effectively".