double function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "double function" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a device, system, or process that serves two purposes or follows two distinct paths. For example, "This new system has a double function: it not only stores data, but it also sorts and manages the information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"They have a double function".

The New York Times

But as Verdi understood it, the witches perform a double function in the drama.

The New York Times

The book, then has double function: a tribute to her and part of grief's ­unending work for him.

The Guardian - Books

It's a cautionary tale about the illusory nature of false celebrity, but it serves the double function of commenting on itself.

The Guardian - Film

Inside a PWR, water which is kept under high pressure to prevent it from boiling has a double function.

The Economist

By Adam Gopnik October 30, 2013 Only two offices in American political life have a double function, one official and the other ceremonial, offering, and demanding, a second role that everyone knows about, but no one quite articulates.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

BS showed double functions in mediating radical reaction, i.e. stabilizing macroradicals and promoting branching reaction.

Polymer

In this paper, new novel long chain amphiphillic monoester molecules were designed to afford double functions: film-formation and luminescent sensitization.

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects

In this paper, some novel long chain amphiphillic monoester molecules were designed to afford double functions: film-formation and luminescent sensitization.

Surface Science

And then, double functions of Euler-Bernoulli beam can be utilized to describe mode shape of a TMW on basis of a span-by-span approach.

International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture

PDA-Si was demonstrated to show double functions which are utilized to coordinate to Tb3+ through carbonyl groups and covalently bonded with hosts by Si O bonds after hydrolysis and polycondensation processes simultaneously.

Optical Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a feature or design, use "double function" to clearly communicate that it serves two distinct and important roles. This enhances clarity and emphasizes efficiency.

Common error

While "double function" is useful, avoid overusing it in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "dual role" or "twofold purpose" to maintain reader engagement and prevent repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "double function" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes an attribute or characteristic of something that performs two roles or serves two purposes. Examples from Ludwig show it describing features of machines, roles in drama, or social aspects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "double function" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies something serving two distinct purposes or roles. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and widespread across diverse fields like news, science, and encyclopedias. While it conveys efficiency and versatility effectively, remember to vary your language to prevent redundancy. Alternatives like "dual role" or "twofold purpose" can enhance your writing. In essence, "double function" is a valuable term for precise and concise communication, particularly in technical or descriptive contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dual role

Changes the noun to 'role' emphasizing a part or purpose served, instead of the action itself.

dual purpose

Substitutes 'function' with 'purpose', highlighting the intended outcome or aim.

twofold role

Replaces 'double' with 'twofold', offering a more descriptive adjective while keeping 'role'.

twofold purpose

Replaces 'double' with 'twofold' and 'function' with 'purpose', combining both changes.

plays a dual role

Uses the verb 'plays' to describe the performance of two roles.

serves two purposes

Expresses the concept as an action instead of a noun phrase, highlighting the act of serving multiple functions.

performs two functions

Similar to 'serves two purposes' but uses 'performs' instead of 'serves'.

fulfills two roles

Highlights the act of meeting or satisfying two roles.

multiple roles

Broadens the scope to more than just two roles, suggesting versatility.

multiple purposes

Broadens to more than two purposes, indicating a wider range of functions.

FAQs

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

You can use "double function" to describe something that serves two purposes. For example: "This tool has a "double function": it can both cut and measure".

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

Alternatives include "dual role", "dual purpose", or "twofold purpose" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "double function"?

Yes, "double function" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe something that performs two roles or has two purposes.

What is the difference between "double function" and "dual function"?

While both phrases are similar, "dual function" is arguably more common and might sound slightly more formal than "double function". They are largely interchangeable.