function as a pair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "function as a pair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two items or entities that work together or complement each other in a specific context. Example: "The two sensors are designed to function as a pair, ensuring accurate data collection."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

ASICs channels contribute to the On response, and PKDL channels coding the Offset stimulations respectively, which function as a pair for switch.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

"It means your lives are intertwined, that you function as a pair.

Huffington Post

Our data suggest that COP1 and ETV1 may function as a pair of valuable independent prognostic biomarkers for TNBCs.

BMC Cancer

Studies confirm that Th1 and Th2 cells function as a pair of important regulators that restrain one another and produce cytokines, which interact to maintain a balanced immune response [ 4].

BMC Gastroenterology

Conservation within these regions of EbrA/EbrB support site-directed mutagenesis experiments of Bsu-EbrA and Bsu-EbrB that demonstrate the importance of the loop and C-terminus regions on protein function as a pair; their removal in either EbrA or EbrB resulted in individual variants that could confer isogenic resistance to the host [ 23].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It functions as a pair of easy-to-use skis for walking uphill, then when it's time to head down, it quickly transforms into a toboggan for riding safely and enjoyably back to the resort, perhaps even with a few powder turns along the way.

The Guardian - Travel

And in Japan the term of art is keitai, which roughly means "something you can carry with you".This disjunction is revealing for an object that, in the space of a decade, has become as essential to human functioning as a pair of shoes.

The Economist

This watch is called ZeroPointZero, is designed by one Luis Berumen and also functions as a pair of handcuffs.

TechCrunch

Based on the adaptive immune system that can be found in bacteria, the gene editing tool Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR functions as a pair of "scissors" where it can recognise a particular gene in the genome, cut it with a high level of accuracy, and paste a modified one.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

This Account outlines the work that led to the realization of one such physicochemical property, the p Ka (ionization or dissociation constant) of canonical and alternative nucleobases, which in turn dictates their hydrophobic and hydrophilic nature and thus their ability to function as base pairs in an aqueous medium.

Accounts of Chemical Research

An essential feature of two-component systems is that specific histidine kinases and response regulators function as cognate pairs and are often arranged within the same operon.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the coordinated action of two elements, ensure that the context clearly supports the need for their combined function. For example, "The two security protocols function as a pair, providing comprehensive data protection."

Common error

Avoid using "function as a pair" when the entities operate independently or their actions are not directly related. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and introduce redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "function as a pair" typically serves as a predicate in a sentence. It describes how two distinct entities, whether objects, concepts, or individuals, operate in conjunction with each other, acting as a single, cohesive unit to achieve a specific outcome. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is found in various scientific and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "function as a pair" accurately describes two entities operating together to achieve a common goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears in both scientific and general contexts, denoting interdependence. Usage is more common in scientific and news domains, highlighting its analytical tone. When employing this phrase, ensure the context necessitates a combined function rather than independent action. Alternatives include "work in tandem" or "operate jointly". Overall, this phrase effectively communicates coordinated actions where the combined effect is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work as partners

Focuses on the relationship and collaborative nature of the work.

work in tandem

Highlights synchronized action or movement.

function collaboratively

Highlights the cooperative nature of the functioning.

function as collaborators

Focuses more on the collaborative effort to achieve a common goal.

operate jointly

Focuses on the action of operating together, emphasizing collaboration.

perform synergistically

Emphasizes the combined effect being greater than the sum of individual effects.

act in concert

Emphasizes harmonious or coordinated action, often in a more formal setting.

act as a unit

Highlights the unified and cohesive action of two entities.

combine forces

Suggests merging efforts or resources for a common goal.

serve dually

Indicates serving two purposes or roles at the same time.

FAQs

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

You can use "function as a pair" to describe two entities that work together or complement each other, such as "These two proteins "function as a pair" to regulate cell growth".

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

Alternatives include "work in tandem", "operate jointly", or "act in concert", depending on the specific context and the nature of the combined function.

Is it correct to say "functions as a pair" instead of "function as a pair"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "function as a pair" for plural subjects (e.g., "They function as a pair"), and "functions as a pair" for singular subjects (e.g., "It functions as a pair").

What is the difference between "function as a pair" and "work together"?

"Work together" is a more general term indicating collaboration. "Function as a pair" implies a more specific, designed or inherent relationship where the two entities are intended to operate jointly, rather than just co-operating.