by function

USAGE SUMMARY

'by function' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a clause in a sentence that explains how something works or operates. For example, "The brain is divided into four sections by function, with each responsible for different cognitive activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Inch by inch, function by function, handset functionality is becoming web accessible.

TechCrunch

In a matrix organizational model, individuals are grouped by function as well as by product, and cross-functional teams are frequently employed to accomplish particular tasks.

Huffington Post

View a list of Financial Office contacts by function.

Harvard University

"We needed regulation by function, not by institution; what we had was regulation by legal loophole".

The New York Times

In most aquamanilia, form follows, disguises and is disrupted by function.

The New York Times - Arts

The envelopes and the returns inside weave through manual and automated areas divided by function.

The New York Times

The child might sort them by color, by shape, or by function, or by something else.

The New Yorker

In the sustainability field, this discrepancy might partly be explained by function.

The Guardian

"I'm especially enamored with the 'Sort By' function, could you please add a 'funniest first' filter?

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

A general differentiation of spacecraft is by function scientific or applications.

Britannica

By the way, notice that none of these changes affects the numerical value that is returned by FUNCTION KTF.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by function" to clarify the organizing principle or classification method in your writing. This helps readers understand the structure or system you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "by function" when describing physical characteristics or attributes unrelated to its intended operation. Focus on its role or purpose to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by function" primarily serves as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify how something is categorized, organized, or designed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase in English. Examples from Ludwig show its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by function" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that something is categorized or organized based on its purpose or operation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While it maintains a neutral register, it's essential to use it accurately, ensuring that the description aligns with the intended role of the subject. Alternatives like "according to its function" or "based on its purpose" can provide variety, but "by function" remains a clear and effective choice in many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to its function

Emphasizes adherence to a specific purpose or role.

in terms of function

Highlights a specific aspect of functionality for consideration.

based on its purpose

Focuses on the intended reason or goal behind something.

with regard to functionality

Similar to "in terms of function" but sounds more formal.

in relation to its role

Focuses on the part something plays within a system.

dependent on its operation

Highlights reliance on how something operates.

categorized by use

Emphasizes grouping based on practical application.

as per its task

Indicates alignment with a specific assigned duty.

through its mechanism

Highlights how something achieves its function.

considering its utility

Focuses on the usefulness or practical value.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "by function" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "according to its function", "in terms of function", or "based on its purpose" to add variety to your writing.

What does it mean to classify something "by function"?

To classify something "by function" means to group or organize items based on their purpose, role, or operation rather than by other characteristics like size, color, or origin.

Is it better to organize "by function" or "by type"?

The best approach depends on the context. Organizing "by function" is useful when you want to emphasize the purpose or role of items, while organizing "by type" is better when highlighting similarities in form or composition.

Can "by function" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "by function" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its clarity and directness make it versatile across different contexts.