a function of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a function of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to the relationship between two or more variables. For example: "The price of a car is a function of its make and model."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Diabetes is a function of development.

The New York Times

Boredom is a function of attention.

The New York Times

It is also a function of technology.

The New York Times

It's not a function of manufacturing.

The New York Times

"It's a function of patient management.

The New York Times - Sports

"But longevity is a function of performance".

The New York Times

It's a function of where you are.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's a function of other responsibilities".

The New York Times - Sports

"Restaurant reviews were a function of advertising".

The New York Times

Rather, it's a function of misaligned incentives.

The Guardian

Happiness is a function of fulfilment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a function of" to clearly indicate a relationship where one variable changes in response to another. For example, "Success is a function of hard work and dedication."

Common error

Avoid using "a function of" when a simpler phrase like "due to" or "because of" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex. For example, instead of "The delay was a function of bad weather", say "The delay was due to bad weather".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a function of" serves as a connector indicating that one thing is dependent on, determined by, or varies in relation to another. It establishes a relationship where the value or state of one variable is influenced by another. Ludwig's examples show this in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a function of" is a versatile tool for expressing dependence or influence between variables. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While it is most commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, caution should be exercised against overuse in simpler casual conversation where alternatives such as "because of" may suffice. By understanding its nuances and contexts, writers can effectively convey complex relationships with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dependent on

Emphasizes reliance or conditional relationship.

determined by

Highlights the aspect of being decided or controlled.

a result of

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of something.

contingent upon

Suggests conditionality or dependence on certain events.

governed by

Implies regulation or control by specific rules or factors.

attributable to

Indicates that something can be credited or assigned to a particular cause.

a consequence of

Similar to "a result of", but may imply a more significant outcome.

conditional on

Stresses that something will occur only if a specific condition is met.

subject to

Highlights that something is liable to be affected by something else.

influenced by

Focuses on the impact or effect that one thing has on another.

FAQs

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

Use "a function of" to show a relationship where one thing depends on or is determined by another. For instance, "The quality of the product is a function of the materials used".

What phrases are similar to "a function of"?

Alternatives include "dependent on", "determined by", or "a result of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "result of" or "a function of"?

While both phrases indicate a relationship between two things, "a function of" often implies a more direct or mathematical dependency. "Result of" is generally suitable for describing consequences or outcomes.

Can "a function of" be used in informal contexts?

While grammatically correct, "a function of" is generally more appropriate for formal writing and speech. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "because of" or "due to" are often preferred.