essential functions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "essential functions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to core tasks or duties that must be done in order for something to be accomplished. For example, "The department manager must fulfill all essential functions listed in the job description."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mathematical Models: A Catalog of Essential Functions.

Stanford University

All but three require G.P.S. for essential functions.

The New Yorker

Combining those essential functions unavoidably entails risk, sometimes substantial risk.

The New York Times

How? Legal: Can you perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations?

The New York Times

Close the Department for International Development (DfID) and merge its essential functions with the Foreign Office.

The Guardian

Local councils being stripped of the funding they need to carry out essential functions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Distributing and monetising content is one of the essential functions of a media company.

The Guardian

The chimp fulfills essential functions, but it is also powerful and prone to panic.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

All non-essential functions of government stopped on July 1st.

The Economist

The agency is considered critical, and the "staff continue mission-essential functions," according to a spokeswoman.

The Washington Post

Certain non-essential functions can be left to Mods, but everyone needs a battery.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing job requirements, clearly list the "essential functions" to ensure candidates understand the core responsibilities and to comply with legal requirements related to disability accommodations.

Common error

Avoid vague descriptions of "essential functions". Instead, specify concrete tasks and duties that are critical to the role to provide clarity and avoid potential misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "essential functions" typically acts as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes the indispensable duties required to achieve a specific outcome. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in discussing job responsibilities, government operations, and biological processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "essential functions" is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse domains, including news, science, and academia. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it effectively denotes the core duties necessary for various entities to operate. It's typically used in a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for professional and academic discourse. To use the phrase effectively, clearly define the specific tasks you are describing and avoid overly broad definitions. Remember that the phrase is commonly found in legal contexts, especially concerning employment law. Alternatives such as "core responsibilities", "fundamental duties", and "key tasks" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental duties

Focuses on the obligatory nature of tasks, emphasizing a sense of duty.

core responsibilities

Highlights accountability and the primary areas of obligation.

key tasks

Emphasizes the importance and centrality of specific duties.

necessary operations

Focuses on the practical actions needed for a process to work.

critical activities

Underlines the urgency and importance of the actions.

vital processes

Emphasizes the life-sustaining or crucial role of the activities.

primary roles

Highlights the main functions someone or something fulfills.

basic requirements

Focuses on the minimum conditions needed for something to function.

indispensable elements

Stresses that these parts are impossible to do without.

integral components

Highlights that the functions are built-in and essential to the whole.

FAQs

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

You can use "essential functions" to describe the core duties of a job, the key processes of an organization, or the critical tasks necessary for a system to operate. For example, "Customer service is one of the "key functions" of this department".

What are some alternatives to "essential functions"?

Alternatives include "core responsibilities", "fundamental duties", "key tasks", or "critical activities", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "essential functions" or "important functions"?

"Essential functions" implies that the tasks are indispensable and crucial, while "important functions" suggests they are significant but potentially replaceable or less critical. The choice depends on the degree of necessity you want to convey.

What is the legal significance of "essential functions" in employment?

In employment law, particularly concerning the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), "essential functions" refers to the fundamental job duties an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. This definition is critical in determining whether an individual is qualified for a position.