be a function of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a function of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in mathematical, scientific, or analytical contexts to indicate that one variable depends on another. Example: "The success of the project will be a function of the resources allocated and the team's expertise."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This, though, may just be a function of time.

The New York Times - Arts

And Marclay's resistance may be a function of his methods.

The New Yorker

"It will really be a function of money," he said.

The New York Times

It might be a function of Asperger's.

The New York Times

But that may be a function of the medium.

The New York Times - Arts

"The landlord's reaction will likely be a function of market forces," he said.

The New York Times

But what appears to be a high number may be a function of testing.

The New York Times

That could be a function of storytelling style and choice of interview subjects, though.

The New York Times - Arts

Novel language can be a function of time as well as of space.

The New Yorker

But your enjoyment of it may well be a function of your pocketbook and your patience.

The New York Times

The choice of terminology can also be a function of economics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be a function of", ensure that the relationship between the variables is logical and clear to the reader. Avoid ambiguous or unclear dependencies.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something is a function of another, it's necessarily a direct cause. Correlation doesn't equal causation. Ensure your statement accurately reflects the nature of the relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a function of" serves as a relational expression, indicating a dependence or relationship between two entities. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various fields, from science to finance, to express that one variable or outcome is determined or influenced by another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be a function of" is a versatile expression used to denote a relationship of dependence or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in the relationship you're describing and avoid confusing correlation with causation. For simpler contexts, consider using alternatives like ""depend on"". The examples highlight its applicability in explaining complex relationships, making it a valuable tool in analytical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depend on

This is a direct synonym, indicating that one thing is contingent upon another.

rely upon

Similar to "depend on", this emphasizes reliance on a particular factor.

be determined by

This indicates that one thing is definitively decided or controlled by another.

be a result of

This is a straightforward way of saying something is caused by something else.

hinge on

This suggests that the outcome significantly relies on a specific factor.

be contingent on

This indicates that something is conditional upon another factor.

be a consequence of

This implies that one thing results directly from another.

stem from

This suggests that something originates or arises from a specific source.

be governed by

This suggests a rule or principle dictates the outcome.

be subject to

This indicates that one thing is affected or controlled by another.

FAQs

How can I use "be a function of" in a sentence?

Use "be a function of" to show a relationship where one thing depends on another. For example, "The quality of the crop will "depend on" the amount of rainfall."

What are some alternatives to "be a function of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""depend on"", "rely on", or "be determined by".

Is it appropriate to use "be a function of" in informal writing?

While technically correct, "be a function of" is more common in formal or technical writing. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like ""depend on"" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "be a function of" and "be the result of"?

"Be a function of" implies a more ongoing or intrinsic relationship, while "be the result of" suggests a direct cause-and-effect relationship that has already occurred.