a key function in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key function in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an important role or purpose that something serves within a particular context or system. Example: "The software plays a key function in streamlining our workflow and improving efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) enzyme has a key function in the degradation of catecholamines and a functional polymorphism is val158met.

Plosone

Agencies that provide a real service in recruiting, organising and administering workforces perform a key function in an increasingly reactive world.

The Guardian - Opinion

But mapping is now a key function in smartphones: for the weary or lost traveller, it has become the essential way of finding somewhere or something.

The Guardian - Tech

Young scientists, as producers of knowledge, have a key function in increasing communication with the public.

Science Magazine

This requirement makes spectrum sensing a key function in cognitive radio systems.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

A key function in any hardware design that requires signal processing is multiplication.

Design Recipes for FPGAs Using Verilog and VHDL

In industrial liquid separation processes chromatography often has a key function in the optimization of yield and purity.

Journal of Chromatography A

Electro-optic modulation is a key function in optical data communication and possible future optical computing engines.

Solid-State Electronics

Side information (SI) generation is a key function in the DVC decoder, and plays a key-role in determining the performance of the codec.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Taken together, we confirmed that Slug expression is up-regulated in gastric cancer tissues and plays a key function in gastric cancer cells proliferation, migration and invasion.

Protein & Cell

Nanocomposites and nanostructured materials are thought to have a key function in tissue research, since some tissues are a distinctive model of a nanocomposite.

Nanobiomaterials Science, Development and Evaluation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key function in", ensure that the context clearly defines what performs the function and the area in which it is key. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a key function in" when the function is self-evident or poorly defined. Overusing this phrase in vague contexts can dilute its impact and make your writing sound less precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key function in" primarily functions as a noun phrase that identifies a significant role or purpose within a particular context. It is used to emphasize the importance of a specific function. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a key function in" correctly identifies a significant role or purpose within a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use in a variety of sources. It is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, emphasizing its importance in formal and technical writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid overuse in vague situations. Consider alternatives like "a vital role within" or "a crucial part of" for variety. The phrase is a reliable indicator of importance and centrality in numerous applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vital role within

Emphasizes the importance of the role, using 'vital' instead of 'key'. 'Within' specifies a contained environment.

a crucial part of

Focuses on the essential nature of the element, replacing 'function' with 'part'.

an integral component of

Highlights the interconnectedness and necessity, using more formal language.

a central element in

Positions the element as the core or focus, replacing 'function' with 'element'.

a significant aspect of

Indicates importance without emphasizing necessity, using 'aspect' to broaden the scope.

a primary purpose within

Highlights the intended use or goal, shifting from function to purpose.

a fundamental task of

Emphasizes the basic or foundational nature of the activity, replacing 'function' with 'task'.

an essential feature for

Highlights the necessary characteristic or attribute, focusing on a feature rather than a function.

a critical responsibility for

Focuses on the obligation or duty, shifting from function to responsibility.

a major contribution to

Highlights the impact or effect, emphasizing the contribution rather than the function itself.

FAQs

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

Use "a key function in" to describe an important role or purpose something serves. For example, "Data analysis plays "a key function in" understanding market trends".

What are some alternatives to "a key function in"?

You can use alternatives like "a vital role within", "a crucial part of", or "an integral component of depending on the context".

Is it always necessary to use "a key function in" when describing an important role?

No, you can sometimes use simpler and more direct language depending on the desired tone and audience. Alternatives like "essential for" or "critical to" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

What's the difference between "a key function in" and "a primary function of"?

"A key function in" emphasizes the importance of the function within a broader context, while "a primary function of" highlights that the function is one of the main purposes of something.