bodily functions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bodily functions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the natural processes of the body, such as digestion, respiration, and excretion. Example: "The discussion about bodily functions can sometimes be uncomfortable, but it's a natural part of human biology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bikinis and bodily functions.

The New York Times

Ditto other bodily functions.

The Guardian

Gradually, bodily functions are lost.

The Guardian

Measuring bodily functions isn't everything.

The Guardian - Tech

Words that described bodily functions were unmentionable.

Independent

There are works that examine bodily functions.

The Economist

Frankness about sex and bodily functions!

The New York Times

It has many jokes about bodily functions.

The New York Times

Bodily functions do not embarrass her, either.

The New Yorker

Not sex, not death, not bodily functions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lots of stuff about bodily functions.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bodily functions" in academic or scientific writing to refer to the biological processes that occur within the body.

Common error

Avoid replacing "bodily functions" with overly vague or flowery language when precision is needed. While euphemisms may seem polite, they can obscure the meaning and create confusion, especially in medical or scientific contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bodily functions" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the various physiological processes that occur within a living organism. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bodily functions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes physiological processes within living organisms. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard English phrase. Its usage spans across various contexts, from News & Media to Academia, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. When writing, it’s best to use this phrase for precision and avoid excessive euphemisms. Alternatives include "physiological processes" or "biological functions", but "bodily functions" remains a widely accepted and understood term in most professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bodily processes

A more general term that encompasses all activities happening within the body.

physical functions

Focuses on the tangible and observable operations of the body.

biological functions

Highlights the biological nature and purpose of these functions.

physiological processes

Emphasizes the biological and scientific aspect of the body's operations.

vital functions

Stresses the importance and necessity of these functions for survival.

bodily operations

Implies a systematic and coordinated set of actions within the body.

natural functions

Highlights the inherent and normal processes of the body.

internal processes

Focuses on the processes occurring inside the body.

metabolic processes

Refers specifically to the chemical processes essential for life.

excretory functions

Specifically refers to the process of waste removal from the body.

FAQs

What are some other ways to say "bodily functions"?

You can use alternatives such as "physiological processes", "bodily processes", or "biological functions" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "bodily functions" in formal writing?

Yes, "bodily functions" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific, medical, or academic contexts. It's a neutral and widely understood term for referring to the body's processes.

When should I avoid using the phrase "bodily functions"?

You might avoid using "bodily functions" in very casual or informal settings where more colloquial terms might be appropriate. However, in most professional or academic contexts, it's a suitable choice.

What's the difference between "bodily functions" and "physiological processes"?

"Bodily functions" is a more general term, while "physiological processes" is more specific and scientific. "Physiological processes" typically refers to the internal biological and chemical processes that occur within the body's systems.