function as a reference for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "function as a reference for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that serves as a source of information or guidance on a particular topic. Example: "The manual will function as a reference for all employees regarding company policies and procedures."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This work can function as a reference for carrying out engineering design of windowless target and for verification experiments.

Nuclear Engineering and Technology

The results in question can function as a reference for design optimization and improvements of the ITER-like devices' water cooling structure of the HHF plasma facing components for future fusion reactors.

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

This framework can function as a reference for implementers in developing effective EHR implementation strategies for hospitals.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

For a more reliable evaluation on the L1 adaptive controller, the offset-free input-to-state stable fuzzy model predictive controller (OFISS-MPC) – which has all-sided performances – is briefly introduced and functions as a reference for our results.

Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory

REK gave permission to register the age and length of stay of all patients acutely admitted to HSS during the two-year registration period, to function as a reference group for the selected group of patients entered into the study.

BMC Family Practice

This joint probability density function will be considered as a reference for future comparative assessment of different systems.

Urban Rail Transit

The approximation calculation results in this paper can be used to derive the precise ERP values of HF pump waves used to excite all kinds of instabilities, and also function as a theoretical reference for ionospheric modulation experiments in future.

Earth, Planets and Space

The Energy Information Administration price functions as a reference point for trucking companies negotiating fuel surcharges with shippers.

The New York Times

Thus, the study population consisted of 2451 severely obese women (mean BMI 36.9) and 2450 randomly selected women (mean BMI 23.1) who functioned as a reference group for comparison with the obese group.

Plosone

We also obtain the sensitivity on B as a function of the integrated luminosity, to serve as a reference for the HIEPA being proposed in China.

Science Bulletin

Baseline function is required for grading AKI severity; as a reference for establishing if recovery is complete; and as a means of stratifying patients with and without pre-AKI CKD.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "function as a reference for", ensure the subject clearly provides information or a standard for comparison within the specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "function as a reference for" without clearly stating what the subject refers to. Ensure the connection between the subject and its role as a reference is evident to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "function as a reference for" serves as a predicate in a sentence, indicating the role or purpose of a subject. It highlights the subject's ability to provide information, guidance, or a standard for comparison. Ludwig AI suggests that it describes something that serves as a source of information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "function as a reference for" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, though not overly common, indicating that something serves as a source of information or a standard for comparison. It's most frequently found in scientific contexts, but also appears in news and academic publications. As Ludwig AI points out, it accurately describes something's role as a provider of information. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what the subject refers to and how it functions as a reference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as a guide for

This alternative emphasizes the guiding aspect of the reference, highlighting its role in providing direction.

act as a benchmark for

This phrase highlights the use of something as a standard against which other things can be measured.

work as a point of reference for

Slightly more verbose, this option emphasizes the role of the subject as a locator or orienting tool.

be used as a touchstone for

This conveys the idea of using something as a reliable test or criterion of quality.

offer a framework for

Focuses on providing structure and support, rather than direct comparison or guidance.

provide a basis for

This focuses on the foundational aspect, suggesting that the reference provides a starting point or rationale.

form a foundation for

Similar to 'provide a basis for', this emphasizes the creation of a groundwork.

stand as a model for

This implies that the reference is an example to be emulated or followed.

supply a context for

This highlights the provision of background information or surrounding circumstances.

serve as a template for

Implies a pre-designed structure that can be replicated or adapted.

FAQs

How can I use "function as a reference for" in a sentence?

You can use "function as a reference for" to describe something that serves as a source of information or a standard for comparison. For example: "This manual will function as a reference for all employees regarding company policies and procedures."

What are some alternatives to "function as a reference for"?

You can use alternatives like "serve as a guide for", "act as a benchmark for", or "work as a point of reference for" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "function as a reference for" and "serve as a reference for"?

"Function as a reference for" emphasizes the role or purpose of something, while "serve as a reference for" highlights the action of providing information or guidance. Both are very similar and often interchangeable.

When is it appropriate to use "function as a reference for" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "function as a reference for" when you want to emphasize that something acts as a source of information, guidance, or a standard for comparison within a particular context, such as in technical manuals, academic papers, or professional reports.