function as an insulator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "function as an insulator" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing materials or objects that provide insulation, either thermally or electrically. Example: "Rubber is often used in electrical applications because it can function as an insulator, preventing the flow of electricity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Moreover, we have shown that a nuclear matrix attachment site (S/MAR), which is positioned in the immediate vicinity of the D4Z4 repeat array [14], may function as an insulator and block the D4Z4 enhancer in normal, but not FSHD, cells [13].

Plosone

RXII is considered to function as an insulator to prevent the ectopic expression of Hoxd genes in the nervous system, since GCR regulation is not promoter-specific [ 23].

BMC Genomics

While Elba2 can't bind to the Elba sequence on its own, it could function as an insulator in other contexts using different protein partners and presumably also recognition sequences.

eLife

CAGE, cap analysis of gene expression; CTCF, CCCTC-binding factor (zinc finger protein demonstrated to function as an insulator protein); FDR, false discovery rate; Mb, megabases; NA, not applicable; RNA-seq, RNA sequencing.

Genome Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In this architecture, a via liner performs multiple functions as an insulator, a Cu diffusion barrier and an adhesion promoter.

Microelectronic Engineering

It has been reported that subtelomeric regions form heterochromatin, functioning as an insulator or repressor of nearby genes or preventing telomere shortening15,16.

Nature

The filamentous structures on the skin of Sinosauropteryx are similar to the barbs of feathers, which suggests that feathers evolved from a much simpler structure that probably functioned as an insulator.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We propose that HS2-6 primarily functions as an insulator or boundary element that may be critical for the autonomous regulation of the TCR alpha and Dad1 genes.

Duke University

The proteins--called deca-heme c-class cytochromes--bond with the rock molecules and convey electrons out through the cell membrane, the composition of which normally functions as an insulator.

Science Magazine

The methylation status of specific conserved sequences regulates the binding of the ubiquitously expressed factor CTCF to the ICR, which functions as an insulator and enhancer blocker.

Plosone

The H19/Igf2 imprinting control region (ICR) functions as an insulator exclusively in the unmethylated maternal allele, where enhancer-blocking by CTCF protein prevents the interaction between the Igf2 promoter and the distant enhancers.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the properties of a material, clearly state what it is insulating against (e.g., heat, electricity, sound) to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stating that something "functions as an insulator" without specifying what it is insulating against. For example, instead of saying "Plastic functions as an insulator", specify "Plastic functions as an electrical insulator."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "function as an insulator" primarily serves as a descriptive term. It identifies the role or purpose of something in preventing the flow of energy (heat, electricity, sound). As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound way to express this function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "function as an insulator" is grammatically correct and serves to describe something's role in preventing the flow of energy, primarily found in Scientific and News & Media contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is usable in written English and the analysis suggests it is most appropriate for formal or technical discussions. While alternative phrases like "act as an insulator" or "serve as an insulator" exist, understanding the specific context is important for clear communication. When using this phrase, specify what type of energy is being insulated against for optimal clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act as an insulator

This alternative uses "act" instead of "function", emphasizing the behavior or action of insulating.

serve as an insulator

This alternative uses "serve" instead of "function", highlighting the role or purpose of insulating.

work as an insulator

This alternative uses "work" instead of "function", suggesting the effectiveness of insulating.

provide insulation

This alternative focuses on the provision of insulation, rather than the act of functioning as one.

offer insulation

Similar to "provide insulation", this emphasizes the offering of insulation properties.

insulate

This is a shorter, verb-form alternative that directly describes the act of insulating.

serve as a barrier

This alternative focuses on the barrier aspect of an insulator, rather than its specific function.

act as a buffer

This alternative emphasizes the role of buffering or mitigating effects, rather than specifically insulating.

provide a shield

This alternative focuses on the protective aspect of insulation, acting as a shield against external factors.

create a partition

This alternative focuses on separation and division, rather than the specific function of insulation.

FAQs

What does it mean for something to "function as an insulator"?

When something "functions as an insulator", it means it prevents or reduces the transfer of heat, electricity, or sound. This property is crucial in various applications ranging from home construction to electronics.

What can I say instead of "function as an insulator"?

You can use alternatives like "act as an insulator", "serve as an insulator", or "provide insulation depending on the context.

Which is correct, "function as an insulator" or "functions as an insulator"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "function as an insulator" with plural subjects (e.g., "Materials function as insulators"). Use "functions as an insulator" with singular subjects (e.g., "This material functions as an insulator").

How do I use "function as an insulator" in a sentence?

You can use "function as an insulator" to describe the role of a material or object in preventing the transfer of energy. For example: "The rubber casing functions as an insulator, preventing electric shock."