function as a source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "function as a source" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that provides information, inspiration, or material for a particular purpose. Example: "The internet can function as a source of endless knowledge for students and researchers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Grasslands appeared to primarily function as a source for the pests, rather than for natural enemies.

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

A particular make of car or a designer suit might function as a source of fulfillment or personal identity, but not, for instance, a washing machine.

The New York Times - Magazine

The name most likely has to do with the spot's historic function as a source of water, a water butt being a container for collecting water.

The New York Times

If it doesn't even function as a source of basic information, what's the point?" The #noreceiptnoreview initiative was launched by undercover British food inspector "Tom" (@EaterWriter on Twitter) in a quest for greater transparency.

The Guardian - Travel

While they are hardly what Americans might think of as radicals, their often supremely eccentric tactics have an impact on the political scene far beyond anything their numbers would warrant & give them a refreshing function as a source of new ideas..

The New Yorker

Our study suggests that remnant habitats, such as midfield islets, do function as a source community for grassland specialists and enhance diversification of grassland species when grazing is introduced.

Biological Conservation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The iRev, as it's called, is "a new recreational vessel which functions as a unique revenue source for our potential purchasers.

TechCrunch

Ag2S nanoparticles function as a source-host and provide S2− ions that reduce excess Ag+ ions.

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects

In aggregate, the stock market is not functioning as a source of funds for corporate investment.

Harvard Business Review

In this way, Toastmasters functions as a source of both mentors and partners in behavior change.

University of California, Berkeley

In the reaction system FeCl3 functioned as a source of Fe(III) for the formation of γ-Fe2O3.

Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "function as a source", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being provided or originated from that source. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "function as a source" when simpler phrasing suffices. For example, instead of "The library functions as a source of information", consider "The library is a source of information."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "function as a source" serves primarily as a predicate nominative, linking a subject to a noun phrase that renames or describes it. It describes the role or purpose that something fulfills, as Ludwig AI indicates. Examples illustrate its use across varied domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "function as a source" is grammatically correct and widely used to describe the role of something providing information, resources, or inspiration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. While "function as a source" is common, remember to consider simpler alternatives when appropriate and ensure clarity in your writing. Its usage spans authoritative sources like The New York Times and ScienceDirect, indicating its acceptance across diverse domains. Consider "serve as a source" or "act as a source" as viable alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as a source

Replaces "function" with "serve", emphasizing the act of providing.

act as a source

Substitutes "function" with "act", highlighting the action of being a source.

operate as a source

Uses "operate" instead of "function", focusing on the mechanism of providing.

work as a source

Employs "work" in place of "function", suggesting the active process of sourcing.

be a source of

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the state of being a provider.

provide a source for

Inverts the structure, emphasizing the act of providing.

constitute a source

Replaces "function" with "constitute", suggesting composition or formation of a source.

represent a source

Uses "represent" to indicate the role of being a source.

offer a source of

Focuses on the offering aspect of the source.

supply a source of

Highlights the provision of something originating from a specific source.

FAQs

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

Use "function as a source" to describe something that provides information, inspiration, or resources. For example: "The internet can "serve as a source" of endless knowledge."

What can I say instead of "function as a source"?

Alternatives include "act as a source", "serve as a source", or "be a source of", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "function as a source" or "functions as a source"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "function as a source" for plural subjects (e.g., "These tools function as a source of data"). Use "functions as a source" for singular subjects (e.g., "This tool functions as a source of data").

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

While similar, "function as a source" implies a built-in or designed purpose, while ""serve as a source"" simply means it provides something. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the intended purpose.