function is to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "function is to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the purpose of something. For example: "The function of this machine is to assemble parts quickly and efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Our function is to transport the Bible.

The New York Times

'The board's function is to safeguard shareholders.

The Guardian

"Our primary function is to take undesirables.

The New York Times

Helton's function is to batter the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

Its main function is to make laws.

University of California, Berkeley

Its function is to address.

Microelectronics Reliability

Their function is to deter, which is difficult to measure.

The New York Times

Ghosts just won't lie still; their function is to disturb.

The Guardian - Books

Allegory's function is to point us toward another meaning.

The New Yorker

"The primary function is to be able to respond early".

The New York Times

Their function is to expel evil and attract positive energy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "function is to", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what is performing the function. For example, "The primary function of the heart is to pump blood."

Common error

Avoid using "function is to" when the subject performing the function is unclear or implied. Always state the subject explicitly to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "function is to" serves as a copular verb construction that defines the purpose or role of a subject. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in both general descriptions and specific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "function is to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for defining the purpose or role of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and encyclopedic sources. While alternatives like "purpose is to" and "role is to" exist, "function is to" remains a clear and direct way to describe an intended operation or property. When using this phrase, make sure the subject is well defined and use it to create clear and comprehensive definitions. The usage and context analysis emphasize the importance of precision and clarity when describing functionality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

purpose is to

Replaces "function" with "purpose", emphasizing intent.

role is to

Substitutes "function" with "role", highlighting the part something plays.

task is to

Emphasizes a specific duty or job, replacing "function".

responsibility is to

Highlights accountability, instead of general functionality.

objective is to

Focuses on the intended outcome, differing slightly from the broader "function".

aim is to

Similar to objective, but slightly less formal than 'objective'.

goal is to

Indicates a specific target or result, similar to objective.

intent is to

Focuses on the underlying plan or intention.

mission is to

Suggests a more important or strategic role.

the duty is to

Highlights a task that is morally or legally binding.

FAQs

How can I use "function is to" in a sentence?

Use "function is to" to describe the purpose or role of something. For example, "The "function of the heart is to" pump blood throughout the body."

What are some alternatives to "function is to"?

You can use alternatives like "purpose is to", "role is to", or "objective is to" depending on the specific context.

How does "function is to" differ from "purpose is to"?

"Function is to" describes the general operation or activity, while "purpose is to" emphasizes the intended outcome or goal. Although very similar, they may have slightly different connotations.

Is it correct to say "the function is for" instead of "function is to"?

While "function is for" might be understandable in some contexts, "function is to" is generally considered more grammatically correct and is preferred in formal writing. For example, "The function of the tool is to tighten screws" is more appropriate than "The function of the tool is for tightening screws".