a common function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a role or purpose that is frequently shared or performed by multiple entities or systems. Example: "In many programming languages, a common function is used to handle user input efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just deleting a photo requires five button-pushes, a veritable obstacle course for such a common function.

The New York Times - Tech

Their wings are not modified versions of a structure present in a common ancestor but rather have developed independently as adaptations to a common function, flying.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It thus enhances global team-building, and encourages the emergence within companies of horizontal communities, bound together by a common function or interest.

The Economist

But even though competitive research is such a common function in organizations, there's no system of record for it.

TechCrunch

In its new model, servers with a common function (such as load balancer, app server, database, etc).

TechCrunch

When two or more components actually share a common function, they are described as actually redundant.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

They have a different ancestry but a common function 17.5% f.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

It is shown that the populations evolve toward clusters of networks performing a common function and which are closely neighboured.

Bulletin of Mathematical Biology

Such similarities may suggest that a region mediates a common function across a variety of cognitive tasks.

Neuropsychologia

Converting 4 4 4 YCbCr to 4 2 2 YCbCr is a common function in digital video.

Video Demystified A Handbook for the Digital Engineer

Then an increasing sequence of functions majorized by a common function converges pointwise to some function in the same space.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing systems or components, use "a common function" to highlight shared roles or purposes for clarity and to avoid unnecessary repetition. For example, "Although structurally different, these proteins share a common function in cell signaling".

Common error

Avoid simply stating that elements have "a common function" without clarifying what that function entails. Be specific about the role or purpose to provide meaningful context and prevent ambiguity. For example, instead of "These genes have a common function", specify "These genes have a common function in regulating cell growth".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common function" primarily serves as a noun phrase, often functioning as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing shared roles or purposes among different elements. For example, "These adhesion complexes share conserved molecular components and have a common function: the formation of paracellular barriers..."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a common function" is a grammatically sound and widely used term, especially in scientific and technical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms this. It serves to highlight shared roles or purposes, often emphasizing similarities across diverse elements. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the nature of the function. Consider alternatives like "a shared purpose" or "a mutual role" to fine-tune your meaning. The phrase's prevalence in scientific literature indicates a formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared purpose

Focuses on the intent or goal that is jointly held or pursued.

a mutual role

Emphasizes the part each entity plays in a larger system or interaction.

a collective task

Highlights the activity or duty performed jointly by a group.

a joint operation

Suggests a coordinated action or process involving multiple participants.

a unifying element

Indicates a factor that brings different components together for the same goal.

a converging activity

Focuses on different processes coming together to perform one task.

a standardized procedure

Implies a regular and consistent way of performing something, often for efficiency.

a uniform practice

Highlights consistency in how something is done across different instances.

a general utility

Suggests a widespread usefulness or applicability of something.

a typical operation

Denotes an action or process that is usual or expected in a given context.

FAQs

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

You can use "a common function" to describe shared roles or purposes among different entities. For example: "Despite their different origins, these proteins share "a common function" in DNA repair".

What are some alternatives to "a common function"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a shared purpose", "a mutual role", or "a collective task", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it more appropriate to say "a shared function" or "a common function"?

Both "a shared function" and "a common function" are acceptable, but ""a common function"" is generally more widely used to indicate a typical or frequent role. "a shared function" may emphasize collaboration or joint activity.

What is the difference between "a common function" and "a similar function"?

"A common function" implies that the function is exactly the same across different entities, while "a similar function" suggests the functions are alike but may have slight variations.