a variety of functions

USAGE SUMMARY

"a variety of functions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express that there are multiple different tasks that can be performed by something. For example: "This program is able to perform a variety of functions; from producing visual graphs to crunching data and producing a report."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

NGOs perform a variety of functions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The edge is used for a variety of functions.

The Guardian - Tech

There's a variety of functions that your body's engaged in.

Yale University

Sound file IO is supported by a variety of functions.

Stanford University

Effective regulation of drugs requires a variety of functions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An offshoot of Kevin Spacey's Trigger Street production company, the website serves a variety of functions.

The Guardian - Film

The central and peripheral clocks are responsible for a variety of functions.

Nature

Humans have bred a wide range of different dogs adapted to serve a variety of functions.

Britannica

They serve a variety of functions, including building contacts among British politicians.

The New York Times

In our world, laughter has a variety of functions, ranging from the highly positive to negative or even sinister.

The Guardian

All insects are covered with setae, which have a variety of functions that are not easy to study, he said.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the capabilities of a system or organization, use "a variety of functions" to indicate versatility and broad applicability. It implies a well-rounded and adaptable nature.

Common error

Avoid using "a variety of functions" as a placeholder without specifying what those functions are. Always provide context or examples to illustrate the breadth and depth of the capabilities being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a variety of functions" acts as a noun phrase functioning as an object or complement within a sentence. It indicates that something is capable of performing multiple different actions or tasks. Ludwig AI shows that it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

29%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a variety of functions" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe the diverse capabilities of something. According to Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for use in written English. It is frequently found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, indicating its utility across various disciplines. While alternatives like "multiple functionalities" or "diverse applications" exist, "a variety of functions" remains a versatile and widely understood option. When employing this phrase, it is crucial to provide context or examples to clarify the specific functions being referenced to prevent vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a range of capabilities

Focuses on the breadth of abilities rather than the specific actions performed.

multiple functionalities

Highlights the different built-in features or operations possible.

diverse applications

Emphasizes the various uses to which something can be put.

varied operations

Focuses on the different processes or activities that are carried out.

assorted roles

Highlights the different parts or duties that something fulfills.

a multitude of tasks

Emphasizes a large number of individual actions.

several duties

Implies a set of responsibilities or tasks.

various purposes

Highlights the different reasons or goals for which something is used.

multifaceted role

Stresses a complex part with many aspects.

spectrum of responsibilities

Highlights the complete range of accountabilities.

FAQs

How can I use "a variety of functions" in a sentence?

You can use "a variety of functions" to describe the capabilities of something. For example, "This tool offers "a variety of functions", including data analysis, reporting, and visualization".

What are some alternatives to "a variety of functions"?

Some alternatives to "a variety of functions" include "multiple functionalities", "diverse applications", or "varied operations" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to list the functions instead of saying "a variety of functions"?

Listing specific functions is generally more informative and precise. However, using "a variety of functions" can be effective when providing a general overview or when the specific functions are too numerous to list exhaustively.

How does "a range of functions" differ from "a variety of functions"?

"A range of functions" and "a variety of functions" are very similar, but "range" often suggests a spectrum of related capabilities, while "variety" implies a more diverse and potentially unrelated set of capabilities. They can often be used interchangeably, but context might make one more appropriate than the other.