were functioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were functioning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the state of something operating or working in the past. Example: "The machines were functioning properly until the power outage occurred."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All communication systems on the aircraft were functioning normally.

The Guardian

Doctors said his kidneys, liver and lungs were functioning normally.

The New York Times

Two years later, 15 were functioning normally without obvious symptoms.

The New York Times - Health

Never mind that only half the elevators were functioning.

The New York Times

But roads to Turkey were functioning – supplies and food and things were coming in.

The Guardian

All these moving parts were functioning smoothly in place at the rehearsal on Monday.

The New York Times - Arts

Neither his motor skills nor his powers of speech were functioning as they should.

The New Yorker

Initial tests concluded that the packs were functioning properly, Mr. Fillpot said.

The New York Times

No such systems were functioning properly at the beginning of the Ebola epidemic.

The New Yorker

Another 32 were functioning normally in all but one area, and were improving in that area.

The New York Times - Health

By 7 p.m., Mr. Clendenin said, the two overhead power lines were functioning properly again.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were functioning" to specifically denote that something was in a working or operational state at a particular time in the past. Consider using alternatives like "had been functioning" to emphasize duration or prior action.

Common error

Avoid using singular verbs with plural subjects when using "were functioning". For example, it's incorrect to say "The system was functioning" when referring to multiple systems. Ensure that the verb agrees with the subject in number.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were functioning" serves as a verb phrase indicating the past continuous state of operation or activity. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing systems, organs, or organizations in a working condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

37%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were functioning" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a past state of operation or activity. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, from formal reports to informal discussions. It is most frequently found in news and media, followed by science-related content. When using "were functioning", remember to ensure subject-verb agreement and consider alternatives like "were operating" or "were working" to add variety to your writing. Pay special attention to the context to select the most fitting synonym, enhancing clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were operating

This alternative emphasizes the action of operating or running. It's a direct synonym focusing on activity.

were working

This alternative is a simple and common way to express that something was in a working state.

were in operation

This alternative is more formal, emphasizing the state of being operational.

were running

This alternative implies a continuous operation over a period of time.

were active

This alternative focuses on the state of being active or in use.

were up and running

This alternative emphasizes that something was not only working but also readily available for use.

were serviceable

This alternative emphasizes the ability to provide a service or function adequately.

were effective

This alternative focuses on the success and impact of their operation.

were performing

This alternative emphasizes the execution of a specific task or function.

were in effect

This alternative indicates that something was in place and having an effect.

FAQs

How can I use "were functioning" in a sentence?

You can use "were functioning" to describe something that was operating normally in the past. For example, "All the computers "were functioning" before the power outage."

What are some alternatives to saying "were functioning"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "were operating", "were working", or "were in operation".

Is it correct to say "was functioning" instead of "were functioning"?

No, "was functioning" is used with singular subjects, while "were functioning" is used with plural subjects. For example, "The machine was functioning" is correct, but "The machines were functioning" is also correct.

What's the difference between "were functioning" and "had been functioning"?

"Were functioning" describes a state at a specific time in the past, while "had been functioning" implies that something had been working for a period of time before a certain point. For instance, "The system "were functioning" normally yesterday," versus, "The system had been functioning for five years before it crashed."