essential function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "essential function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a critical or necessary role or duty that something or someone performs. Example: "The essential function of the heart is to pump blood throughout the body."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The lenders say they provide an essential function.

The New York Times

The schools' essential function, of course, has been to educate.

The New York Times

Grossman, though he values his journalism, leaves no doubt which is his essential function.

The New Yorker

We were reminded of this essential function by two performances that took place last week.

The New Yorker

An essential function of government, therefore, is to insure that people have clean water.

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, calling bullshit was then and is now an essential function of media.

The Guardian

With their essential function legislated out of existence, what would happen to all these horses?

The New York Times

Before then, the essential function of walls was protection from marauding outsiders.

The Guardian - Opinion

This, after all, was an essential function of art: to preserve fleeting pleasures, to give permanent form to the perishable.

The New York Times - Arts

Others argue that rickshaws fulfil an essential function in ferrying people short distances to metro stations or bus stops.

The Guardian

"That my client was assaulted by a police officer when carrying out this essential function, and brutally so, is shocking.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "essential function", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the function essential. Be specific about the consequences of not performing this function.

Common error

Avoid using "essential function" when the function is merely helpful or convenient. Reserve it for truly critical roles or duties to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "essential function" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "essential function" is a frequently used noun phrase that highlights the critical and indispensable nature of a role or task. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and high frequency across various domains, particularly in news, science, and formal business contexts. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring that the described function truly warrants the 'essential' label. Alternatives like "primary role" or "core function" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core function

Emphasizes the most fundamental and indispensable aspect.

indispensable role

Highlights that the role cannot be done without.

fundamental role

Highlights the basic and necessary part something plays.

vital role

Highlights the function as being crucial for survival or success.

chief function

Emphasizes the primary and most important role.

primary role

Focuses on the main role, potentially excluding secondary functions.

key function

Stresses the importance of the role.

necessary task

Focuses on the requirement and indispensability of the function.

critical task

Emphasizes the importance and necessity of the function as a task.

basic function

Emphasizes simplicity and the root of the function.

FAQs

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

Use "essential function" to describe a role or task that is critical or necessary. For example, "The "essential function" of the heart is to pump blood".

What are some alternatives to "essential function"?

You can use alternatives such as "primary role", "core function", or "vital role" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "essential function" in formal writing?

Yes, "essential function" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing critical roles in business, science, or government.

What is the difference between "essential function" and "important function"?

"Essential function" implies that the function is absolutely necessary and indispensable, while "important function" suggests that the function is significant but not necessarily crucial. The context should determine which phrase is more appropriate.