a basic function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a fundamental or essential role or purpose of something. Example: "In programming, a basic function is essential for performing simple tasks efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

One is that they fulfil a basic function of art by instructing delightfully.

The Guardian

Revisiting a Basic Function on Current CPUs: A Fast Logarithm Implementation with Adjustable Accuracy.

University of California, Berkeley

A basic function of government is to make people pay for negative externalities.

The Economist

There's also an assumption that a basic function of childcare is lifting the child to the first rung of the education ladder.

The Guardian - Opinion

President Obama castigated House Republicans for failing to perform a basic function by not providing money for the government.

The New York Times

The potential criminalization of linking – a basic function of hypertext, the foundation of the worldwide web – is an affront to us all and must be resisted.

The Guardian - Opinion

The admissible function consists the product of (i) a two-dimensional polynomial function and (ii) a basic function.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

"It is a basic function of state government to protect the most vulnerable among us," Mr. Cuomo said in a statement.

The New York Times

A BASIC function of law in a civilized society is to allocate the costs of harm to those who caused it.

The New York Times

Applying the Green function technique the local density of states is calculated as a basic function for determining characteristic parameters in electrochemistry.

Electrochimica Acta

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In reaching a conclusion opposite to that of CLS Bank, the Court wrote that Bancorp's invention used a computer only for a basic function the performance of repetitive calculations without imposing meaningful limits on the scope of its claims.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a basic function", ensure the context clearly defines what that function entails. Avoid vagueness by specifying the action or purpose being described.

Common error

Avoid using "a basic function" to describe something overly trivial or self-evident. Reserve it for actions or processes that, while fundamental, contribute significantly to a larger outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic function" serves as a noun phrase, typically functioning as a subject complement or an object, identifying or describing a fundamental role, task, or process. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a basic function" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a fundamental role or purpose, as validated by Ludwig AI. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its versatility across different domains. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the function being described and avoid using it for trivial matters. Alternatives such as "a fundamental role" or "an essential task" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to use the term accurately to convey the importance of the function within its specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental role

Changes the noun from "function" to "role" and the adjective from "basic" to "fundamental", emphasizing the importance of the role.

an essential task

Replaces "function" with "task", suggesting a specific duty or action that is crucial.

a core responsibility

Substitutes "function" with "responsibility", highlighting the accountability aspect of the role.

a primary duty

Emphasizes the obligational aspect by using the term "duty" instead of "function".

a key element

Focuses on the importance of being a necessary part of a larger whole, altering the perspective from process to component.

a central aspect

Highlights the importance of being the focal point, shifting from a specific role to a more general attribute.

a necessary component

This alternative shifts the focus to the idea of being essential for completeness or proper operation.

a main feature

Implies that the function is a prominent characteristic or capability.

a standard operation

This alternative presents "a basic function" as a routine activity or procedure.

a routine task

This alternative expresses "a basic function" as common activities or duties.

FAQs

How can I use "a basic function" in a sentence?

You can use "a basic function" to describe the fundamental role or purpose of something. For example, "Breathing is "a basic function" of living organisms".

What are some alternatives to "a basic function"?

Alternatives include "a fundamental role", "an essential task", or "a core responsibility", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a basic function" or should I use another term?

"A basic function" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its suitability depends on the context; alternatives like "a key element" or "a primary duty" may be more appropriate in specific situations.

What is the difference between "a basic function" and "a standard operation"?

"A basic function" refers to a fundamental purpose, while "a standard operation" implies a routine or common procedure. The former highlights importance; the latter, commonality.