function as a bridge

USAGE SUMMARY

'function as a bridge' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that connects two different things or people. For example, "Her language skills function as a bridge between the two cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It's to be hoped that in its function as a bridge between east and west it can contribute towards stabilising the truly dangerous situation the EU now finds itself in.

The Guardian - Opinion

Statistics could therefore function as a bridge connecting a part of mathematics with the sciences.

International Journal of STEM Education

This procedure may relieve symptoms or function as a bridge to (elective) surgery.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

The bridge fuel argument traditionally held that natural gas could function as a bridge to a low-carbon economy.

Energy Transitions

He could try to restock quickly with junior college transfers who would function as a bridge to the future.

Los Angeles Times

For many, she said, drag can function as a bridge to a more authentic, self-realized gender expression in their daily lives.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Members of this family may function as a bridging molecule between the nutritional signaling pathway and the hormone biosynthesis pathway in Arabidopsis [ 68].

BMC Plant Biology

HTAs often function as a "bridges" between evidence and policy-making, providing health policy-makers with accessible, useable, and evidence-based information that can help guide their decisions regarding the appropriate use of technology [ 37].

Globalization and Health

Anatolia functioned as a bridge connecting the Greek world in the West with the great empires of the East.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Centuries before postmodernism formalized the relationship between high culture and low, she suggested, the street was already functioning as a bridge.

The New York Times - Style

"[sic]" builds like an orchestral work, pumped full of internal resonances, a dream sequence that functions as a bridge, and intentional, darkening repetition.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "function as a bridge", ensure that the two elements being connected are clearly defined and understood by the audience. This provides context and reinforces the significance of the connection.

Common error

Avoid using "function as a bridge" when the connection is trivial or self-evident. Overusing the metaphor can dilute its impact and make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Ensure the bridging role is substantial and meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "function as a bridge" primarily serves as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the role or purpose of a subject, indicating that it connects or links two distinct entities or concepts. Ludwig AI states that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "function as a bridge" is grammatically correct and serves to describe something that connects two separate entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in written English, especially when aiming to illustrate a linking or intermediary role. While the phrase is found across different contexts, it is more frequent in scientific and news-related sources. Remember to ensure that the elements being connected are clear and that the "bridging" role is meaningful to avoid overstating its importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as a connector

Replaces "function as a bridge" with a more generic term for connection.

act as a link

Uses "link" instead of "bridge" to convey a similar meaning of connection.

work as an intermediary

Suggests a role in mediating between two parties or things.

provide a connection between

Emphasizes the provision of a connection rather than the inherent function.

form a bond

Implies a stronger, more permanent connection.

create a liaison

Focuses on establishing a working relationship or communication channel.

unite disparate elements

Highlights the act of bringing together distinct or contrasting elements.

reconcile differences

Suggests resolving conflicts or discrepancies between two things.

span the gap

Emphasizes overcoming a distance or difference.

interconnect two systems

Specifically refers to linking systems or processes.

FAQs

How can I use "function as a bridge" in a sentence?

You can use "function as a bridge" to describe how something connects two different entities or ideas. For example, "Her expertise "functioned as a bridge" between the technical team and the marketing department".

What are some alternatives to "function as a bridge"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "serve as a connector", "act as a link", or "work as an intermediary" /s/.

Is it more appropriate to say "function as a bridge" or "functions as a bridge"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "function as a bridge" for plural subjects or with "I", "we", "you", and "they". Use "functions as a bridge" for singular subjects (e.g., "it", "he", "she").

What does it mean for something to "function as a bridge"?

When something "function as a bridge", it means it provides a connection or link between two separate things, ideas, or people, facilitating communication or interaction.