an important function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an important function" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the significance or role of something in a particular context. Example: "The committee plays an important function in ensuring that all voices are heard during the decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It gave the Mets an important 3-2 victory, and gave them a reason to pound on him in celebration in the dugout.

The New York Times - Sports

It's an important 12 days.

Vice

There is today good evidence to suggest that the var2csa gene encodes an important PfEMP1-species, a ligand associated with the sequestration of IEs in PAM [4] [9].

Plosone

Gurmarin, an important 35 amino-acid peptide having a molecular weight of 4209, was isolated from G. sylvestre [ 32].

BioMed Research International

In addition, recently intracellular cyclophilin A was shown to be an important Ca2+ modulator in platelets [ 198].

BMC Genomics

In other words even if, in reality, placing patients in a prone position resulted in an important 4% reduction in mortality, a trial of 304 patients would be unlikely to detect it in practice.

Critical Care

An important 45 minutes awaits".

BBC

Precision seems important ("1959"; "a quarter, a half, or occasionally three-quarters"), but the novelist's certainty does not preclude a tactful hesitancy about her characters ("The uncertainty probably kept her awake").

The New Yorker

Studies focussing on nursing in general have emphasised adequate information as an important competence [13, 29] and a requirement for increased patient participation [40].

Insights into Imaging

Together these findings implicated an important function for ATG4 A during mammosphere formation.

Breast Cancer Research

Those intending to vote Labour in May are most likely to believe a free NHS is "very important" (84%), but a large majority of those intending to vote Conservative feel the same (72%).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an important function", ensure the context clearly explains why the function is significant. Provide specific details or examples to highlight its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "an important function" as a generic filler. If you can't articulate why the function is important, consider using a more neutral term or providing further explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an important function" acts as a noun phrase modifier, specifying the significance of the noun it precedes. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct. While Ludwig has no direct examples, many related phrases serve similar modifier roles.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an important function" is grammatically sound and serves to highlight the significance of a role or task. As Ludwig AI confirms, its structure is correct and usage acceptable. While Ludwig doesn't offer specific examples for this exact phrase, it does confirm this is usable in written English. Due to it having 0 occurrences in the analyzed data, its frequency is considered 'missing'. The phrase is best used when the importance of the function is clear and can be supported with specific details, with better alternatives that "a crucial role" or "a significant purpose".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial role

Replaces 'important' with 'crucial', emphasizing necessity.

a significant purpose

Substitutes 'function' with 'purpose', highlighting intention.

a vital task

Replaces 'function' with 'task', suggesting a specific duty.

a key responsibility

Focuses on duty instead of general function.

a central component

Highlights the role as part of a larger system.

a primary objective

Shifts focus to the goal or aim.

an essential element

Emphasizes the necessary nature of the element.

a major contribution

Focuses on the impact or effect.

a fundamental aspect

Highlights the basic and underlying nature.

a critical factor

Emphasizes the decisive nature of the factor.

FAQs

How can I use "an important function" in a sentence?

Use "an important function" to describe something significant. For example, "The committee plays "a crucial role" in decision-making."

What can I say instead of "an important function"?

Alternatives include "a crucial role", "a significant purpose", or "a vital task" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very important function"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "very important function" can be redundant. Consider stronger alternatives like "crucial role" or "essential function".

What's the difference between "an important function" and "a key function"?

"An important function" describes something of considerable significance. "A key function" highlights something essential or central, like "a central component".