for certain functions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for certain functions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to specific roles or purposes that particular functions serve within a system or process. Example: "The software is designed to optimize performance for certain functions, such as data analysis and reporting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Sri Lanka's constitution provides for certain functions of government to be devolved to provincial councils (palāth sabhā).

Encyclopedia Britannica

One expects certain modes of composition for certain functions, but one's expectations are subject to many external influences, such as personal background, location, psychological associations, and changing fashions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

for certain functions f (r) and g(r).

Nanoscale Research Letters

Developments in writing technology occur under pressure from the demand for certain functions.

Functional Linguistics

These materials can be customized for certain functions, i.e. to provide cell/drug delivery or act as a physical scaffold.

Stem Cell Research

The design retains the dynamic display capabilities of a normal touch screen but can also produce tactile buttons for certain functions.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Often software is being used that, on the one hand, produces lists of significantly deregulated genes and, on the other, enables more complex analyses such as testing for overrepresentation of certain functions and signalling cascades.

Archives of Toxicology

There's also three touch sensitive buttons for quick operation of certain functions since the case itself covers the screen of your phone when you're using it to fully protect your device.

TechCrunch

Mr. Smith said the potential fines were disproportionate to the amount of money at stake in the royalties — a maximum of about $30 million — on software for so-called work group servers, which run certain functions for office PCs.

The New York Times - Tech

Instead of cheering a reduction of needless government involvement, some — including a few members of Congress — are arguing that the U.S. needs to insert itself in a clerical role for certain coordination functions for the internet.

TechCrunch

Furthermore, there are at least four places to look for a certain function or program: on the "widgets bar" down the left side of the screen; on the "desktop" (where you can drag about three of your favorite widgets); on the Menu page of programs; in the Applications folder within the Menu page; or inside the Games and Apps folder within that folder.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for certain functions", ensure that the specific functions are either clearly defined within the context or are commonly understood within the relevant field. If not, provide examples or clarifications to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "for certain functions" without specifying what those functions are, or why they are important. This can make your writing vague and less informative. Always provide context or examples to clarify the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for certain functions" primarily acts as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It specifies the scope or purpose of an action or design, indicating that something is intended or optimized for particular uses. Ludwig AI's examples show its use across diverse contexts, highlighting this specifying function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for certain functions" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that serves to specify the scope or purpose of an action or design. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. It is versatile enough to be used in various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias, with a generally neutral register. While "for certain functions" provides clarity, it's important to ensure the functions are either well-understood or explicitly defined to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "for specific purposes" or "for particular roles", depending on the desired level of specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for specific purposes

Replaces "certain functions" with a more general term "purposes", implying intent or goal.

for particular roles

Substitutes "functions" with "roles", emphasizing the part something plays in a system.

to perform specific tasks

Replaces the preposition "for" with an infinitive "to", and uses "tasks" instead of "functions".

in order to execute particular operations

Uses a more formal register and emphasizes the execution aspect of functions.

designed for specialized duties

Focuses on the design aspect and uses "duties" to convey the functional aspect.

intended for select processes

Highlights the intended use and uses "processes" as a more technical alternative.

optimized for designated activities

Emphasizes optimization and uses "activities" to refer to the functions.

reserved for distinct operations

Highlights exclusivity and uses "operations" as a more technical synonym.

allocated to particular tasks

Focuses on allocation and uses "tasks" to represent functions.

utilized for certain applications

Highlights the use of something and replaces "functions" with "applications".

FAQs

How can I use "for certain functions" in a sentence?

You can use "for certain functions" to specify that something is designed or optimized for specific tasks or roles. For example, "The software is designed to optimize performance "for certain functions", such as data analysis and reporting."

What are some alternatives to "for certain functions"?

Some alternatives include "for specific purposes", "for particular roles", or "to perform specific tasks". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "for specific functions" or "for certain functions"?

Both "for specific functions" and "for certain functions" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "specific" implies a higher degree of precision and detail, while "certain" suggests that the functions are known but not necessarily detailed.

How do I avoid being too vague when using "for certain functions"?

To avoid vagueness, provide examples or clarifications of the functions you are referring to. For example, instead of saying "The system is optimized "for certain functions"", you could say "The system is optimized "for certain functions", such as data processing and user authentication."