a crucial function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a crucial function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an important role or purpose that something serves in a particular context. Example: "The heart plays a crucial function in circulating blood throughout the body."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's because they still serve a crucial function.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Refusal to accept the ghettoization of theater is a crucial function for the Public".

The New York Times

Comps serve a crucial function to casinos, making players feel important and keeping them at specific properties spending money.

The Washington Post

On-screen, their clothes served a crucial function, as flashcard symbols of social identity.

The New York Times

Herbal drugs play a crucial function to protect organisms from the toxic effect of some compounds.

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy

Yet the commitments, for all their weakness, serve a crucial function: They prevent each side from using the other as a foil to justify inaction.

The New Yorker

But Mr. Chavez and others warn that trading is a crucial function in a deregulated environment, given the volatility of natural gas and power prices.

The New York Times

Still, the post-caucus spin plays a crucial function in mediating the relationship between a political party and its voters.

The New York Times

Half of CVS' MinuteClinic patients do not have a primary care doctor, meaning they serve a crucial function due to a shortage of primary care doctors.

The Washington Post

These moral norms perform a crucial function of managing the otherwise intractable complexity of the interactions between parties governed by private law.

Harvard University

Additionally, numerous recent studies indicate that CA is playing a crucial function in HIV-1 immune evasion.

Virus Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a crucial function", ensure the context clearly establishes what depends on that function to emphasize its importance. For example, "Effective communication is a crucial function for team collaboration."

Common error

Avoid using "a crucial function" when describing tasks that are routine or easily replaceable. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a crucial function" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object complement within a sentence. According to Ludwig's examples, it describes an essential role or task.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a crucial function" is a frequently used phrase to emphasize the essential nature of a role or task. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. When writing, use this phrase to highlight indispensable aspects, but avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "a vital role" or "an essential part" can provide variety while retaining similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vital role

Replaces 'function' with 'role' and 'crucial' with 'vital', emphasizing importance.

an essential part

Substitutes 'function' with 'part' and 'crucial' with 'essential', highlighting necessity.

a key component

Replaces 'function' with 'component' and 'crucial' with 'key', focusing on being a fundamental element.

a significant aspect

Changes 'crucial function' to 'significant aspect', broadening the scope to an attribute.

a fundamental task

Replaces 'function' with 'task' and 'crucial' with 'fundamental', stressing a necessary action.

an integral element

Substitutes 'function' with 'element' and 'crucial' with 'integral', underscoring completeness.

a critical job

Changes 'function' to 'job' and 'crucial' to 'critical', emphasizing a necessary task.

an important responsibility

Replaces 'function' with 'responsibility' and 'crucial' with 'important', highlighting accountability.

a central purpose

Substitutes 'function' with 'purpose' and 'crucial' with 'central', emphasizing the main aim.

a pivotal activity

Changes 'crucial function' to 'pivotal activity', focusing on an action of central importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a crucial function" to describe an essential role or purpose something serves. For instance, "The immune system has "a crucial function" in protecting the body from disease."

What are some alternatives to "a crucial function"?

Alternatives include "a vital role", "an essential part", or "a key component", depending on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "a crucial function" in formal writing?

Yes, "a crucial function" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific, academic, and business contexts where precision and emphasis on importance are necessary.

What distinguishes "a crucial function" from "an important function"?

"A crucial function" emphasizes that the function is essential and indispensable, whereas "an important function" simply indicates that the function matters but may not be absolutely necessary.