at a function

USAGE SUMMARY

'at a function' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a gathering or an organized event, such as a wedding or a formal dinner. Example: Mark was the guest of honor at a function hosted by his family.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I met Katie Mitchell at a function.

The Guardian - Tech

Mr. Coleman had to drop him at a function at the Congregational Church of Manhasset.

The New York Times

"I was at a function and everyone was waiting for my cell phone to ring.

The New York Times - Sports

After Kluwe was exiled from football he met a high school coach at a function supporting gay athletes.

The Guardian - Sport

Maloney met Ali while at a function with her former fighter, Lennox Lewis, saying: "He could hold a room.

The Guardian - Sport

When he ran into Mr. Russert at a function recently, the political analyst told him to read his book.

The New York Times

Another woman met her partner at a function organized by the gardeners.

The New York Times

An old Muslim scholar, now retired, spoke at a function I attended recently.

Independent

I once spoke at a function that was almost entirely male and began by saying, 'Here comes diversity.' Cue nervous laughter".

The Guardian

This brings comfort to Wadsworth, who has only got this far because he raised the matter with Mackey when they met at a function earlier this month.

The Guardian

Cue a call from the German embassy asking Stanley to recommend a band to play at a function to mark Hitler's appointment as chancellor.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a function" to refer to formal or semi-formal events. Consider more casual terms like "party" or "gathering" for informal occasions.

Common error

Avoid using "at a function" when describing casual get-togethers. Terms like "hanging out" or "get-together" are more appropriate for informal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a function" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the location or setting of an action or event. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it specifies where an interaction or occurrence takes place.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at a function" is a prevalent prepositional phrase used to denote presence or activity at a specific event, typically of a formal or semi-formal nature. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Formal & Business domains. While alternatives like "at an event" or "at a gathering" may suit more casual scenarios, understanding the proper register for "at a function" will enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at an event

Replaces "function" with a more general term for an organized gathering.

at a gathering

Substitutes "function" with a word suggesting a more informal meeting.

at a social event

Adds the adjective "social" to emphasize the interactive aspect of the event.

at a ceremony

Replaces "function" with a more formal term indicating a ritual or traditional event.

at a reception

Suggests a formal social gathering, often held to welcome someone or celebrate an achievement.

at a party

Uses a more casual term for a social gathering, implying a less formal atmosphere.

during a meeting

Focuses on a formal assembly for discussion or decision-making.

while attending an occasion

Rephrases to highlight the act of attending a specific event or celebration.

in a conference

Specifies a large, formal gathering for discussion or presentation.

at a convention

Refers to a large meeting, typically of people with shared interests or professions.

FAQs

How can I use "at a function" in a sentence?

"At a function" is used to indicate presence or participation in an event. For example, "I met her "at a function" last night".

What are some alternatives to "at a function"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "at an event", "at a gathering", or "at a social event".

Is it appropriate to use "at a function" in both formal and informal settings?

While "at a function" is generally suitable for formal and semi-formal contexts, it may sound out of place in very casual settings. Consider using less formal alternatives for those situations.

Which sounds more natural, "at a function" or "in a function"?

"At a function" is the correct and more commonly used prepositional phrase. "In a function" is not standard English.