a pivotal function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pivotal function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a role or task that is crucial or essential to the success of a process or system. Example: "The marketing team plays a pivotal function in driving brand awareness and customer engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Even the stories that lack a pivotal function in the plot, like the reverential one about Paul Robeson, contribute to the broader message: that some neighborhoods can always find hope in a dream.

The New York Times - Books

Both gene products are known to have a pivotal function in pain mechanisms, thus making these associations particularly stimulating.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

In addition to the originally identified role in defence signalling, WRKY TFs have a pivotal function in seed germination, flower development, senescence and the abiotic stress response (Tripathi et al. 2014).

Rice

SOD performs a pivotal function in combating oxidative stress in plants, and a marked increase in SOD activity has been demonstrated to occur upon exposure to oxidative stress (Jalali-e-Emam et al. 2011).

Botanical Studies

In summary, as we illustrated by the example of the discussion in Section 'The challenge of global warming in a Quintuple Helix Mode'five-steptep flow analysis'), it should be clear that all systems in a Quintuple Helix perform a pivotal function, influencing each other.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Taken together these results established that Cdc42 played a pivotal function in the transmission of the MPA-mediated necrotic signal.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Any therapeutic measure aimed at promoting angiogenesis would play a pivotal role in function recovery of stroke patients.

BioMed Research International

Zinc is the most abundant trace mineral in the body [ 68, 69], playing a pivotal role in immune function, antioxidant activities, hormonal function and cellular activities [ 70– 72].

BMC Cancer

The importance of the meniscal superficial layer has not been fully revealed and it is suspected that this layer plays a pivotal role for meniscal function.

Journal of Biomechanics

The basis of our inquiry derives from the facts that the PPAR-gamma receptor plays a pivotal role in placental function and that TFAs down-regulate PPAR-gamma gene mRNA expression.

Fertility and Sterility

They have thus a pivotal role in the function of PP.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pivotal function" to emphasize that a role or task is essential for achieving a specific outcome. It's suitable for formal and academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a pivotal function" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "key" or "important" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pivotal function" primarily functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun. According to Ludwig AI, it denotes something indispensable or of the utmost importance. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in scientific and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

94%

News & Media

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pivotal function" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that emphasizes the critical importance of a specific role or task. According to Ludwig AI, it is best suited for formal and scientific contexts where precision is valued. While alternatives such as "a key role" or "a crucial function" exist, "a pivotal function" carries a strong sense of indispensability. Predominantly found in scientific and academic publications, its overuse in informal settings should be avoided to maintain a natural and appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key role

Focuses on the importance of a role in achieving a particular outcome.

a crucial function

Emphasizes the critical and indispensable nature of the function.

an essential function

Highlights that the function is absolutely necessary and vital.

a vital function

Stresses the function's importance for survival or proper operation.

a central role

Indicates that the role is at the heart of something, fundamentally important.

a significant function

Highlights the noteworthy importance or impact of the function.

a critical role

Stresses that the function is essential to prevent failure.

a fundamental function

Indicates that the function is a basic and necessary element.

a principal function

Highlights that the function is one of the most important ones.

a prime function

Emphasizes that the function is superior in importance or rank.

FAQs

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

Use "a pivotal function" to describe something that plays a central and essential role. For example, "The heart has "a pivotal function" in circulating blood throughout the body."

What are some alternatives to "a pivotal function"?

You can use alternatives such as "a key role", "a crucial function", or "an essential function" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a pivotal role" or "a pivotal function"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a pivotal role" is more common when referring to a person or entity's part in something, while "a pivotal function" describes the essential task or activity itself.

What does "pivotal" really mean in "a pivotal function"?

In this context, "pivotal" means critically important or essential. It indicates that the function is a determining factor in whether something succeeds.