a greater function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a greater function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the significance or importance of a particular role or purpose in a broader context. Example: "In the ecosystem, each species plays a greater function that contributes to the overall health of the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

TechCrunch

Huffington Post

Forest Ecosystems

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Perhaps this elite group of athletes and entrepreneurs serve a greater function of humanity to keep it forever evolving, and forever cool.

TechCrunch

Parking lots always had a greater function that just storing people's cars while shopping.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It even offers Chrome-like tabs, which are a great function and argument for the larger screen.

TechCrunch

SBD played an important role in determining the recalcitrant carbon mineralization in the P. tabulaeformis forest, SOC and pH were important factors in the Q. wutaishanica forest, and SMBN and pH had a great function in the mixed forest (Fig. 2).

Forest Ecosystems

The very fact of how and why we didn't get it was probably a demonstration of why that group wasn't a great functioning group".

The New York Times - Style

Paskin felt that Kesha had a great "functioning sense of humor" writing that she "enjoyed her new video".

Wikipedia

Being healthy means having a great functioning body.

WikiHow

A likely reason, he and other experts say, is that a person's life becomes more demanding and requires a greater use of executive functions.

The New York Times - Health

They suggested that the right hemisphere had a greater role in regulating cardiac function, perhaps by modifying parasympathetic effects [ 65].

BMC Psychiatry

Resurfacing devices were also introduced to provide an anatomical solution, providing a lower risk of dislocation, a perceived greater function, and "easier" revision if required (Spencer 2011).

Acta Orthopaedica

It consists of two aggregate summary measures (scales) and eight domain-specific measures (subscales) and is scored from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating greater function.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a greater function", ensure the context clearly establishes what the function is and why it is considered 'greater' compared to other functions or roles within the same system or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a greater function" when a simpler description of the role would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound pretentious or exaggerate the actual importance of the function.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a greater function" typically serves as a noun phrase functioning as a subject complement or object within a sentence. It denotes a role or purpose that is more significant or extensive than others, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a greater function" is a grammatically correct and usable expression used to emphasize a significant role or purpose within a broader context. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's acceptable in written English. Although not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable sources like news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. To enhance clarity, always ensure the context clearly defines the specific function and its importance. While alternatives like "a more significant role" or "a larger purpose" may be used depending on the context, "a greater function" serves to underscore the magnified impact of the described role.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more significant role

Focuses on the importance of the role rather than its specific function.

a larger purpose

Emphasizes the overall aim or goal, differing from specific functional aspects.

a more important task

Highlights the task's significance, instead of the function performed.

an expanded role

Suggests the role has grown or increased in scope, unlike just being 'greater'.

a broader application

Indicates a wider area of use, shifting the focus from function to applicability.

a superior function

Emphasizes the quality of the function being better, but the word choice may result a bit unnatural.

a more valuable contribution

Focuses on the value added, rather than the function itself.

a more substantial part

Indicates the portion is bigger, but unlike function, suggests it may not be active.

an elevated function

Suggests the function has been raised to a higher level of importance or sophistication.

a more crucial assignment

Highlights the critical nature of the assignment, shifting the focus from function to necessity.

FAQs

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

Use "a greater function" to highlight the significance of a role or purpose within a broader context. For example, "In the ecosystem, each species plays "a greater function" that contributes to the overall health of the environment."

What are some alternatives to "a greater function"?

You can use alternatives like "a more significant role", "a larger purpose", or "a more important task" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a greater function" in formal writing?

Yes, "a greater function" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to emphasize the significant role or purpose of something. However, ensure that the context clearly defines the specific function and its importance.

What is the difference between "a greater function" and "a more important function"?

While both phrases highlight the significance of a function, "a greater function" implies that the function plays a role of increased importance or scope within a larger system. "a more important function" simply means the function is higher in value but may not have the same implication of scope.