Functioning as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Functioning as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the role or purpose of something in a specific context. Example: "The new software is functioning as a tool to streamline our workflow and improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Society stops functioning as well as it did.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was functioning as a reporter, and he reported what an observer could perceive.

The New York Times - Books

Nassau County has not, by most accounts, been functioning as well as possible.

The New York Times

The markets are open but not functioning as well as the Marines would like.

The New Yorker

We continue to believe that the exceptional funding scheme is functioning as intended.

The Guardian

Everything appeared to be detected and functioning as expected.

Forbes

This reasoning may equally apply to social functioning as well.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

That is, if the spacecraft was functioning as planned.

Science Magazine

For non-converters, some subjects have lower functioning as well.

Alzheimer's Research and Therapy

Functioning as gatekeepers was not entirely new for them.

The New York Times

functioning as a behavioral type system.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "functioning as" to describe a temporary or secondary role, rather than a primary or inherent characteristic. For instance, a smartphone might be described as "functioning as" a GPS device, indicating it's an additional capability, not its main purpose.

Common error

Be mindful of overusing "functioning as" in your writing. While grammatically correct, excessive repetition can make your text sound monotonous. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "acting as", "serving as", or other context-appropriate alternatives to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "functioning as" primarily serves as a verb phrase acting as a linking mechanism. It connects a subject with a description of its current role, capacity, or operation. As Ludwig AI indicates, this usage is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig show its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

31%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "functioning as" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that serves to define or clarify the role, capacity, or operation of a subject in a given context. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from diverse sources. The analysis shows that the phrase is most commonly used in News & Media and Science domains, indicating a neutral to professional register. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of overuse and to vary phrasing with synonyms such as "acting as" or "serving as" to maintain reader engagement. When using "functioning as", ensure clear context to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acting as

Emphasizes the role or action performed.

serving as

Highlights the purpose or service provided.

operating as

Focuses on the practical application or operation.

working as

Implies employment or active performance in a role.

utilized as

Stresses the use or employment of something for a specific purpose.

performing as

Highlights the execution of a specific function or task.

used as

A more general term indicating the application of something.

fulfilling the role of

More formal and emphasizes the complete execution of responsibilities.

taking on the function of

Indicates a transition or adoption of a new role or function.

in the capacity of

Formal and emphasizes the official or professional role.

FAQs

What does "functioning as" mean?

"Functioning as" means performing the role or purpose of something, often implying a specific or temporary capacity.

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

Use "functioning as" to describe the role or purpose something is currently fulfilling. For example, "The application is "operating as" a reverse proxy".

What are some alternatives to "functioning as"?

You can use alternatives like "acting as", "serving as", or "working as" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "functioning as" and "acting as"?

While similar, "functioning as" emphasizes the practical operation, while "acting as" might focus more on the role or behavior assumed.