an analogous function to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an analogous function to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two functions or roles that serve similar purposes in different contexts or systems. Example: "In this study, we will explore an analogous function to the enzyme in the human body that is found in certain bacteria."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

In an era when the misguided and the malevolent still proffer the idea that his works were a put-up job by secret aristos such as the Earl of Oxford, seeing the records of his birth, marriage and death in the chancel of this beautiful church serves an analogous function to those "material evidence of crimes" at Auschwitz, giving the lie to revisionists and conspiracy theorists.

The Guardian

RA3 serves the purpose of converting trehalose-6-phosphate into trehalose, an analogous function to that of Tps2 in fungi.

Duke University

This deacetylase may have an analogous function to the deformylase that generates undecaprenyl phosphate-4-amino-4-deoxy-alpha-l-arabinose from undecaprenyl phosphate-4-deoxy-4-formylamino-alpha-l-arabinose in polymyxin-resistant strains of E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium.

Duke University

While there are no known cellular homologues of EBNA1, the three dimensional structure of EBNA1 resembles the overall structure of human papillomavirus (HPV) E2 protein, which has an analogous function to EBNA1 at the HPV origin of DNA replication [13].

Plosone

Bile salt mixed micelles may serve an analogous function to NPC2, acting as a solubilizing agent to allow transport of cholesterol in aqueous environments and prevent precipitation/crystallization of cholesterol.

Plosone

OSBP has an analogous function to CERT but instead mediates inter-membrane sterol transfer.

Human Molecular Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

AtOFP7 was found to exhibit analogous function to AtOFP1, which is a known transcriptional repressor of AtGA20ox1 [ 5].

BMC Plant Biology

The well conserved structure and properties suggests an analogous function of CpC8α to mammalian C8α, though it remains to be confirmed by further study.

Fish & Shellfish Immunology

Indeed, the reductase domain of NOS is very similar to that of CYPOR and performs an analogous function, donating electrons to the haem-containing oxygenase domain [ 27].

Biochemical Journal

Nevertheless, SmTRC-PrA must perform an analogous role to the DNA binding function described for TNPA in plant transposons, and experimental verification of this hypothesis is warranted.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

We also add a new figure serving an analogous function for non-tomographic cues to clarify them.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an analogous function to", ensure that both functions being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Provide specific details about each function's role and context to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because two functions are analogous, they are identical in every aspect. Focus on the specific similarities relevant to your argument, and acknowledge any differences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an analogous function to" serves as a prepositional phrase used to draw a comparison between two different entities or processes, highlighting their functional similarity. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

76%

Academia

16%

News & Media

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an analogous function to" is a useful tool for comparing distinct entities that share similar roles or purposes. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for formal writing. It appears most frequently in scientific and academic contexts, where precise comparisons are crucial. When employing this phrase, make sure to clearly define both functions being compared to avoid any ambiguity and make clear their connection. Consider alternatives like "a similar function as" or "a comparable role to" for simpler language, depending on the context and audience. Remember that while analogy suggests similarity, it does not imply complete identity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a similar function as

Replaces "analogous" with "similar", emphasizing resemblance in function but with a simpler term.

a comparable role to

Substitutes "function" with "role" and "analogous" with "comparable", focusing on the part something plays.

a parallel function to

Uses "parallel" instead of "analogous", suggesting functions that operate alongside each other.

a corresponding function to

Replaces "analogous" with "corresponding", highlighting a direct relationship between functions.

a related function to

Uses "related" in place of "analogous", indicating a connection or association in function.

a like function to

Employs "like" to mean similar or analogous, offering a more informal tone.

a matching role to

Focuses on the alignment of roles, using "matching" to indicate similarity.

an equivalent function to

Highlights that the function is equal or interchangeable with another.

a cognate function to

Cognate is used in place of "analogous", which highlights their common ancestry.

a look-alike function to

Look-alike highlights their resemblance in function.

FAQs

How can I use "an analogous function to" in a sentence?

Use "an analogous function to" to compare the roles of two different entities by explaining that they serve similar purposes. For example, "In plants, the root system has "an analogous function to" the circulatory system in animals, providing nutrients and support."

What are some alternatives to "an analogous function to"?

You can use phrases like "a similar function as", "a comparable role to", or "a parallel function to" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "similar function" or "analogous function"?

"Similar function" implies a general resemblance, while "analogous function" suggests a deeper structural or functional similarity, often arising from different evolutionary paths or contexts. The choice depends on the specific relationship you're describing.

What is the difference between "an analogous function to" and "a homologous function to"?

"Homologous function" implies that two functions share a common evolutionary origin, whereas ""an analogous function to"" simply means they serve a similar purpose, regardless of their origin. Homology implies ancestry, analogy implies similarity of purpose.