are believed to function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are believed to function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing theories, hypotheses, or beliefs about how something operates or works. Example: "These ancient structures are believed to function as astronomical observatories, aligning with celestial events."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

These structures are believed to function as the new third route for the Sn diffusion.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Furanocoumarins are believed to function as phytoalexin (Beier and Oertli 1983) or allelochemical compound (Baskin et al. 1967).

Botanical Studies

Human β-defensins (hBDs) are believed to function as alarm molecules that stimulate the adaptive immune system when a threat is present.

Journal of Molecular Biology

In plants, the LEA genes are believed to function in protecting cellular components during developmentally induced desiccation in embryos and during water deficit stress in vegetative tissue [9].

Rice

Amelogenin proteins, the principal components of the developing dental enamel matrix, self-assemble to form nanosphere structures that are believed to function as structural components directly involved in the matrix mediated enamel biomineralization.

Matrix Biology

In fact, Rho GTPases such as ROP1 and interacting protein RIC3 are believed to function as spatial regulators of ABPs including F-actin, profilin and formin and thus help determine growth polarity (Chebli et al. 2013; Cheung et al. 2010).

Botanical Studies

The proteins of the ABC transporter family are believed to function as drug efflux pumps and increased levels of these proteins in CSCs could therefore be contributing to the protection of CSCs from cytotoxic chemotherapy [30]-[33] [30]-[33]

Clinical and Translational Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) have been believed to function as professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs).

Journal of Dermatological Science

In both cases, the peptides were believed to function as both the reducing and protection agents.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The protein XRCC1 has no inherent enzymatic activity, and is believed to function in base excision repair as a dedicated scaffold component that coordinates other DNA repair factors.

DNA Repair

The tumor suppressor p14ARF is widely deregulated in many types of cancers and is believed to function as a failsafe mechanism, inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis as cellular response to a high oncogene load.

Molecular Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are believed to function", ensure the context clearly indicates who holds the belief. If the belief is widely accepted, it may be better to use stronger language like "are known to function."

Common error

Avoid using "are believed to function" excessively, as it can create a passive and potentially vague tone. Consider rephrasing to a more direct and active voice when possible, such as "scientists believe X functions as Y".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are believed to function" primarily serves as a qualifier, indicating that the described function is based on a belief or assumption rather than a definitively proven fact. It's often used in scientific and academic contexts, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

98%

News & Media

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are believed to function" is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in scientific and academic writing. As noted by Ludwig, it is used to express an understanding or assumption about the role or operation of something, implying that this understanding is based on current knowledge but not necessarily definitively proven. While alternatives such as "are thought to function" or "are considered to function" exist, they carry slightly different connotations. When using this phrase, it's important to be aware of the potential for passive voice and to clearly indicate whose belief is being referenced. Over all "are believed to function" is a correct and usable sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are thought to function

Replaces "believed" with "thought", suggesting a slightly less formal tone but maintaining the same meaning.

are considered to function

Substitutes "believed" with "considered", indicating a more formal or official assessment of functionality.

are understood to function

Uses "understood" instead of "believed", implying a general comprehension of the function.

are presumed to function

Replaces "believed" with "presumed", suggesting a tentative assumption about the function.

are expected to function

Changes "believed" to "expected", indicating an anticipation of the function based on certain criteria.

are known to function

Shifts from "believed" to "known", implying a confirmed or established function.

are designed to function

Focuses on the design aspect, suggesting that the function is intentional and planned.

are intended to function

Similar to "designed", but emphasizes the purpose or aim of the function.

are reported to function

Highlights that the function is based on reports or findings, possibly implying less certainty.

are suggested to function

Uses "suggested" instead of "believed", indicating a hypothesis or proposition about the function.

FAQs

How can I use "are believed to function" in a sentence?

The phrase "are believed to function" is used to describe something whose role or operation is based on an assumption or widely held theory. For example, "These structures are believed to function as ancient astronomical observatories."

What can I say instead of "are believed to function"?

You can use alternatives like "are thought to function", "are considered to function", or "are understood to function" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "are believed to function" or "are known to function"?

The choice depends on the certainty of the information. Use "are believed to function" when describing a belief or theory. Use "are known to function" when describing an established fact.

What is the difference between "are believed to function" and "are expected to function"?

"Are believed to function" implies a current understanding or assumption about something's role. "Are expected to function" suggests an anticipation of future performance or operation based on certain criteria.