working as intended

USAGE SUMMARY

"working as intended" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is functioning as it was designed or supposed to. For example: "We were glad to learn that the new software was working as intended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that theory doesn't fully mesh with reality: High deductibles aren't working as intended.

The New York Times

A Guardian review this year found that the fact-checks seemed to be mostly ineffective and that "disputed" tags weren't working as intended.

The Guardian - Tech

Late in the day, officials acknowledged that only 22 of the 35 escalators at the four stations were working as intended.

The New York Times

Second, the regime's current tactic of subtly eroding Hong Kong's freedoms isn't exactly working as intended.

Huffington Post

If allowed to go into effect, these laws will often end up working as intended.

HuffPost

The findings line up with anecdotal evidence that the screening program isn't working as intended.

Los Angeles Times

Follow all the instructions accompanying the clay you have chosen to use failure to do so may result in the clay not setting or working as intended.

WikiHow

It is working as intended.

The New York Times

Therefore, QE may not be working as intended.

The Guardian - Business

I was also not confident it was working as intended.

Yale University

Internal audits determine if the accounting processes and systems are working as intended.

European Journal of Operational Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "working as intended" to clearly communicate that a system, process, or device is performing according to its design specifications, which is particularly useful in technical or formal reports. Be direct and precise.

Common error

While "working as intended" is correct, avoid using it in overly casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it's working fine" or "it's all good" to maintain a natural tone. Using this phrase where it's not necessary can come across as contrived or overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working as intended" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a subject. It signifies that something is performing its designed function according to expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

23%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "working as intended" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, indicating that something is functioning according to its design. It is common across news, science, and academic contexts, signaling assurance and verification. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to professional registers. Remember to use it precisely to convey that a system, process, or device is operating as expected, and consider simpler alternatives in casual settings. Common authoritative sources include The New York Times, The Guardian and Huffington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functioning as expected

Focuses on the fulfillment of expectations rather than design specifics.

operating correctly

Emphasizes the correctness of the operation, a more general term.

performing as designed

Highlights the design aspect and the performance aligning with it.

running smoothly

Implies efficient and uninterrupted operation.

executing properly

Focuses on the proper execution of a process or task.

serving its purpose

Highlights the accomplishment of the intended goal.

achieving the objective

Centers on the successful attainment of the objective.

fulfilling its function

Emphasizes the completion of its intended function.

meeting specifications

Refers to adherence to predefined technical or quality specifications.

in proper working order

Describes the overall condition and functionality of something.

FAQs

How can I use "working as intended" in a sentence?

You can use "working as intended" to describe a system, process, or device that is functioning according to its design or specifications. For example: "The software update is "functioning as expected" and is "working as intended".

What are some alternatives to "working as intended"?

Alternatives include "functioning as expected", "operating correctly", or "performing as designed". The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "working as intended" or "working as designed"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "working as designed" emphasizes the original design specifications, while "working as intended" focuses on the overall purpose or goal. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate phrase.

When is it appropriate to use "working as intended" in technical documentation?

It is appropriate to use "working as intended" in technical documentation when verifying that a system or component is meeting its performance requirements and design specifications. It provides clarity and reinforces confidence in the system's reliability.