a secondary function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a secondary function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a role or purpose that is not the primary one, often in contexts like technology, biology, or organizational roles. Example: "While the main purpose of the software is to manage data, it also serves a secondary function of generating reports."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Talking is becoming a secondary function.

The Guardian - Opinion

A secondary function is providing judicial rulings on whether a person is Jewish.

The New York Times - Magazine

In fact, the natural world is replete with examples of organs taking on a secondary function.

The Guardian

The films sometimes serve a secondary function: they can give voice to the victims.

Independent

As on most netbooks, many keys control a secondary function (for example, brightness or volume) when you press the function key; on the Wind, secondary functions are labeled in blue on the white keys and are easy to see.

The New York Times - Tech

A pre-turkey tipple ideally performs a secondary function as an aesthetic, sensory signpost, instilling all the flavors associated with fall and harvest into a single cup.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Furthermore, the originally proposed functioning items that still retained some variance in a secondary functioning factor related to everyday coping and lack of positive affect.

BMC Psychiatry

In so doing he relegated doctrines to a secondary role, their function being to express and articulate the deliverances of religious consciousness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The mutation R5I reduced this activity ≈14-fold indicating that it has a secondary role in the blocking function.

Plosone

In addition to a primary function of cleaving RNA, there is a putative secondary function of catabolizing urea in ascending xylem sap and associated apoplastic space.

BMC Plant Biology

Diversity in architectural styles at the USC has a connotative secondary function, mirroring complexity and pluralism inherent to the late capitalist society, as well as reflecting the notion that the culture has no unified sense of direction.

European Journal of Futures Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a secondary function", ensure it's clear what the primary function is to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a secondary function" as the main reason for something's existence. Always emphasize the primary function first to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a secondary function" typically acts as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a role or purpose that is subordinate to the primary one. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase commonly appears in descriptive contexts to add detail or qualification.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a secondary function" describes a supplementary role or purpose, less prominent than the primary one. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across varied domains, especially science and news. The phrase denotes an additional capability, beneficial side effect, or less critical responsibility. Remember to clarify the primary function for context and avoid misrepresenting the secondary one as the main purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ancillary role

Changes the noun from function to role and uses a more formal adjective.

a supplementary purpose

Replaces "secondary" with "supplementary" and "function" with "purpose", maintaining similar meaning.

a subsidiary task

Substitutes both words, implying a supporting or less critical task.

an additional feature

Focuses on the aspect of something being added on, rather than a core function.

a side capacity

Emphasizes that the function is not the primary capacity or capability.

a minor role

Highlights the unimportance of a role.

a less significant duty

Stresses reduced importance in a duty or responsibility.

a tertiary function

Changes the level of function to tertiary, implying 3 levels of importance.

an auxiliary capability

Highlights that something is an additional capability or capacity of something.

a supplemental feature

Changes the adjective to supplemental, maintaining similar meaning.

FAQs

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

You can use "a secondary function" to describe an additional purpose or role that something serves, for example: "Besides storing food, Tupperware can have "a secondary function", such as being used as a mixing bowl."

What are some alternatives to "a secondary function"?

Alternatives include "an ancillary role", "a supplementary purpose", or "a subsidiary task", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "secondary function" or "secondary role"?

Both "secondary function" and "secondary role" are correct, but "function" often implies a specific action or capability, while "role" refers to a more general part or position. The best choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between a primary and "a secondary function"?

The primary function is the main or most important purpose of something, while "a secondary function" is an additional, less important purpose or role.