a sense of function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sense of function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the understanding or awareness of how something operates or serves a purpose. Example: "In design, achieving a sense of function is crucial to ensure that the product is both aesthetically pleasing and practical."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I was able to figure out my modern sense of style, fashion with a sense of function.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

To get a sense of the function, you should plug in a few other x-coordinates so you can get a sense of what the function looks like before you start to look for the range.

WikiHow

Angry fires are raging on social media and any sense of functioning government has come to a standstill.

The Guardian - Opinion

Among adolescents self-rated health is as a measure of physical and psychological wellbeing that also include "an overall sense of function" [ 32, 33].

BMC Public Health

The RIBA Journal recently published his images of the newly completed Glasgow School of art building (shortly before the disastrous fire), and as is his style, Iwan creatively included people within the building helping to depict an overall sense of function and scale.

Huffington Post

In a sense, of course, this function is merely an extension of its more general role in religion, where a myth, as well as addressing questions such as a society's place in the cosmos, may serve to justify a particular kind of governmental organization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Young people here are beginning to gravitate to a sense of life, and function".

The New York Times

A stint on a nonprofit's board yields a sense of how boards function in general and a chance to meet other director-level executives.

The New York Times

It is possible, perhaps likely, that those operated on later were less satisfied as adults because they had, literally, a sense of their clitoral function preceding surgery.

Archives of Sexual Behavior

It looks stunning, conveys a sense of a real, functioning world, is clearly well structured and, in general is an RPG-lover's dream.

The Guardian - Tech

"Meow the Jewels" indicates savvy, a sense of how laughter functions, of the various ways in which it can counterbalance, if not elevate, revolutionary thought.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing design, explicitly state what contributes to "a sense of function". Is it the layout, materials, or user interface?

Common error

Avoid using "a sense of function" without specifying whose sense it is. For example, clarify if it's the user's sense, the designer's sense, or an objective measure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sense of function" primarily functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It often acts as the object of a verb or preposition, describing an understanding or awareness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sense of function" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase that conveys an understanding or awareness of how something operates or its intended purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it sees frequent use across diverse contexts, including news media, scientific research, and academic discourse. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what contributes to this sense and whose perspective it represents. Alternative phrases like "an understanding of purpose" or "a feeling of utility" can provide nuance, but "a sense of function" remains a versatile and widely accepted choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an understanding of purpose

Focuses on comprehension rather than feeling.

a feeling of utility

Highlights the practical usefulness of something.

an awareness of functionality

Emphasizes conscious recognition of operational aspects.

a grasp of operation

Implies a firm understanding of how something works.

a perception of design

Highlights the appreciation of intentional arrangement for function.

an appreciation for usability

Emphasizes valuing the ease and effectiveness of use.

a recognition of practicality

Focuses on acknowledging the usefulness and feasibility.

a knack for operational detail

Suggests a talent for understanding how things work.

an instinct for fitness of purpose

Implies an innate understanding of something's suitability.

a sensitivity to functional design

Highlights the ability to discern and appreciate well-designed functionality.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sense of function" to describe the awareness or understanding of how something is intended to be used or how it operates. For example, "The design of the tool provides "a sense of function" immediately upon holding it".

What's a good alternative to "a sense of function"?

Alternatives include "an understanding of purpose", "a feeling of utility", or "an awareness of functionality". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a sense for function" instead of "a sense of function"?

While "a sense for function" might be understood, "a sense of function" is the more common and grammatically standard phrasing.

How does "a sense of function" relate to usability?

"A sense of function" often contributes to good usability. When a design clearly communicates its purpose, users can more easily understand and use it effectively. Usability focuses on ease of use and intuitiveness, which are enhanced by "a sense of function".