critical function

USAGE SUMMARY

“critical function” is correct and usable in written English.
You may choose to use it when you are talking about an essential process or role that is necessary for something to work or succeed. For example, “Supply chain management is a critical function for any successful business.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

No amount of aggregation can substitute for this basic critical function, which has nothing to do with the supposed authority of professional critics.

The New York Times

And package tracking is a critical function in many buildings.

The New York Times

Histones also perform another critical function.

Stanford University

Who do you hire for this critical function?

Harvard Business Review

Safeguarding client assets is a critical function of investment advisers.

Harvard University

At the most basic level, a critical function of fashion is to stimulate desire.

The New York Times - Style

An often-overlooked but critical function of the Fire Department is fire investigation.

The New York Times

Our current study elucidates the critical function of FMOD in regulating wound healing.

Nature

First, the reliability of a critical function is analyzed.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

The space robot takes a critical function in the CSS.

Measurement

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's a vendor relationship, not a mission-critical function.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, use "critical function" to specify an essential biological or chemical process that is vital for survival or a specific outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "critical function" to describe tasks or roles that are merely important, not absolutely necessary. Reserve it for situations where the absence of the function would lead to significant negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical function" primarily acts as a noun phrase, where "critical" modifies the noun "function". It describes a function that is essential and indispensable. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "critical function" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe an essential process or role. As Ludwig AI explains, it's suitable across various contexts, including science, news, and business. Its high frequency and widespread usage indicate its importance in conveying the necessity of specific functions. Alternatives such as "essential role" or "key function" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. Remember to reserve its usage for tasks or functions that are truly indispensable, avoiding overuse in less critical contexts. Top sources include The New York Times, Forbes, and Harvard University, reflecting the phrase's credibility and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential role

Focuses on the importance of a role rather than a function.

key function

Highlights the importance of the function using the word "key".

vital task

Replaces "function" with "task", emphasizing the action aspect.

crucial component

Emphasizes that it's a part of something essential.

indispensable element

Stresses that the element is absolutely necessary.

fundamental operation

Uses "operation" instead of "function" focusing on the process.

necessary process

Focuses on the process being required.

integral part

Highlights the importance of being part of a whole.

significant aspect

Focuses on the importance of a specific part or feature.

pivotal role

Emphasizes that the role is of central importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "critical function" to describe essential processes or roles, such as, "Effective communication is a "critical function" for any team's success".

What's a good alternative to "critical function"?

Alternatives include "essential role", "key function", or "vital task", depending on the specific context.

Is "critical function" formal or informal?

"Critical function" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. It's often used in professional, academic, and news settings.

What makes something a "critical function"?

A "critical function" is something that is absolutely necessary and without which a system or process would fail or be severely impaired.