fulfill a function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fulfill a function" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing the purpose or role of something, or when discussing how something serves a particular function or purpose. Here is an example: "The new software update was designed to fulfill a crucial function in streamlining our workflow processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

A use of wire to fulfill a function as an antenna was suggested in the specification document of the wireless transceiver.

Cornell University

The present study shows that when the damping coefficient, TMD mass (mD), TMD initial displacement (A) and nonlinear spring constant of the NLTMD fulfill a function relationshipλ= 3mDβA, the damping and nonlinear elastic effects cancel each other out, and the nonlinear damping frequency coincides with the linear natural frequency.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

It is an ambitious idea, but city officials obviously feel that the personal motorcar does not fulfill a function that walking, biking and taking public transport cannot.

BBC

Mass producers, like these authors, just want to sell stuff and fulfill a function.

Huffington Post

The language Brandon helped write as part of an APA-embraced effort, known as the Psychological Ethics and National Security policy, "can be seen as opening the door for psychologists to fulfill a function that [CIA Office of Medical Services] health professionals were resisting," the report says.

Huffington Post

Furthermore, HSPs fulfill a function in the hereditary and acquired immunity and are associated with the pathogenesis of RA [ 47].

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

There were bolts of feedback and static, but they fulfilled a function, bridging themes or clearing the air.

The New York Times - Arts

But, humble though it is, the bench fulfills a function as one of the countless small-town traditions that help keep the city livable.

The New York Times

With Anonymous, he fulfilled a function that was necessary, and which few others were willing to do: put a public face to a movement for transparency.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lorraine Candy is editor-in-chief of Elle For centuries in the west, there was a figure in society who fulfilled a function that is likely to sound very odd to modern secular ears.

The Guardian

According to Kroll, he was stung by accusations of anti-Semitism,and maintained that Wolfsheim "fulfilled a function in the story and had nothing to do with race or religion".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fulfill a function", ensure the context clearly defines the specific function being fulfilled. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid vague descriptions of the function being fulfilled. Instead of saying something "fulfills a function of improvement", specify what is being improved and how.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fulfill a function" primarily acts as a verbal phrase indicating the purpose or role something serves. As Ludwig AI states, it describes how something meets its intended function or requirement. Examples show its use in varied contexts, from technology to biology.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fulfill a function" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe how something serves a specific purpose or role. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct English. While not exceptionally common, it appears across diverse contexts, including science, news, and business, maintaining a neutral register. To use it effectively, ensure that the function is clearly defined, avoiding vagueness. Consider alternatives like "serve a purpose" or "perform a role" for nuanced expression. Remember it's better to be specific when describing "the function" to give the text more clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve a purpose

Replaces "fulfill" with "serve", emphasizing the action of serving a specific purpose.

perform a role

Substitutes "function" with "role", highlighting the part something plays in a system.

carry out a task

Focuses on the completion of a specific task, changing the functional emphasis.

satisfy a requirement

Highlights meeting a specific requirement or need, shifting the focus to satisfaction.

meet an objective

Emphasizes the achievement of a particular objective or goal.

accomplish an aim

Similar to meeting an objective, but with a slightly more formal tone.

discharge a duty

Implies fulfilling a responsibility or obligation, more formal.

execute a responsibility

Highlights the active execution of a given responsibility.

realize a goal

Emphasizes making a goal a reality through action, adding a sense of accomplishment.

achieve an end

Focuses on the ultimate outcome or result being achieved.

FAQs

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

Use "fulfill a function" to describe how something serves a purpose. For example, "The new software update is designed to fulfill a crucial function in streamlining workflow."

What can I say instead of "fulfill a function"?

You can use alternatives like "serve a purpose", "perform a role", or "carry out a task" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "fulfill a function" or "achieve a function"?

"Fulfill a function" is generally preferred when describing how something meets its intended purpose. "Achieve a function" is less common, although understandable, in the sense of successfully completing a task.

What's the difference between "fulfill a function" and "serve a purpose"?

While similar, "fulfill a function" often refers to a specific, defined task or role, while "serve a purpose" can be broader and more general. For instance, "The tool fulfills the function of opening cans" vs. "The organization serves the purpose of community support."