function as a replacement for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "function as a replacement for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that serves the same purpose or role as another item or concept. Example: "In this experiment, the new compound will function as a replacement for the traditional catalyst."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They cautiously propose that it might function as a replacement for CbiZ to function as an amidohydrolase (the reverse of the typical PP-loop ATPase reaction) as against a ligase.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A new gamma-function as a replacement for the common alpha-function in cubic equations of state is proposed here for polar compounds with an existing vapor phase.

Chemical Engineering Science

Next year, however, the advantage could swing back to the Sony camp, thanks to a gamble taken on how digital video recorders will be used.The DVD-RAM design adopted by Toshiba and Hitachi, as well as Matsushita, functions as a replacement for both the VCR and the recordable CD drive that is increasingly used in personal computers.

The Economist

Figure 1a shows the introduction of perovskite material in DSSC where it functions as a replacement for the dye sensitizer for the mesoporous TiO2 layer.

Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy

For example, she announces, after considerable drumbeating, the "piece of the puzzle... missing from all previous accounts of Jackie's marriage to Jack Kennedy Jackieie "functioned, in large part, as a replacement" for his sister Kathleen (Kick), who had died in a plane crash in 1948.

The New York Times - Books

Consequently, single-loop grafts formed from tibialis tendons should function well as a replacement for a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery

iCloud then sends back to your phone a working image of the remote control with all of the buttons and functions on your physical remote that you are now able to use as a replacement for your actual remote control.

HuffPost

So cheese is what I started to use as a replacement for having sex with girls".

Vice

The confidence function is a replacement for projection.

Harvard University

Use solid food as a replacement for breast milk.

WikiHow

The authors hypothesized a functional living tissue-engineered stomach could function as a replacement alternative.

Journal of Pediatric Surgery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "function as a replacement for", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being replaced and why. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid implying a perfect equivalence when something only partially fulfills the role of what it replaces. Instead, qualify the extent to which it "function as a replacement for" with terms like 'partially' or 'effectively'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "function as a replacement for" serves as a verb phrase indicating the role or purpose of something that substitutes another. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, denoting that something fulfills the role of something else.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "function as a replacement for" is a versatile expression used to describe something that serves the same purpose or role as another. As Ludwig highlights, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various domains, including science, news, academia, and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being replaced and why, and avoid implying a perfect equivalence if the substitution is only partial. While alternatives like "serve as a substitute for" or "act as an alternative to" may be suitable in certain contexts, this expression provides a clear way to express that one thing is performing the function of another.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as a substitute for

Highlights the role of serving as an alternative, emphasizing a direct substitution.

substitute for

Refers to exchange a component with a different one with a similar functionality.

act as an alternative to

Focuses on the action of providing another option, suggesting a choice between possibilities.

work in lieu of

Implies working instead of something else, often due to necessity or unavailability.

stand in for

Suggests temporarily filling the role or position of someone or something else.

be used instead of

Emphasizes the act of using one thing rather than another, indicating a preference or better suitability.

take the place of

Focuses on the idea of replacing or superseding something in a given context.

fill the void left by

Implies compensating for the absence or loss of something, often highlighting its importance.

be a proxy for

It is often used in technical context for describing a variable or metric being measured that is easy to observe instead of the harder to measure.

perform the function of

Highlights similarity in action between two components.

FAQs

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

You can use "function as a replacement for" to describe something that serves the same purpose or role as another. For example, "In this experiment, the new compound will "function as a replacement for" the traditional catalyst".

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

You can use alternatives like "serve as a substitute for", "act as an alternative to", or "be used instead of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "function as a replacement for" or "serve as a substitute for"?

Both "function as a replacement for" and "serve as a substitute for" are grammatically correct. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Function as a replacement for" emphasizes the role, while "serve as a substitute for" emphasizes the substitutive nature.

When is it appropriate to use "stand in for" instead of "function as a replacement for"?

Stand in for typically implies a temporary substitution, whereas "function as a replacement for" can refer to a more permanent or long-term alternative.