function like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "function like that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe how something operates or behaves in a particular manner or context. Example: "The new software is designed to function like that, making it easier for users to navigate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Paintings don't function like that.

The Guardian - Arts

Cricket teams seldom function like that.

The Guardian - Sport

So yes, doctors do need to function like that.

The Guardian

People wonder how on earth we could function like that.

Independent

"For officers out in the field, we can't function like that.

The New York Times

Anyone who has ever messed around with music will understand that this is very hard to do; the human sense of rhythm doesn't naturally function like that.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Of course, cells have barriers and well guarded entry points that function like locks that only open with the right molecular key.

Forbes

Both have lid structures that proposed to function like doors that will open up during interfacial activation.

BioMed Research International

The Meundies onboarding process basically functions like that of Stylemint, where users select the styles and colors they like and the startup provides them with personalized choices, for $16 a month per item in addition to free shipping and returns.

TechCrunch

I needed something that functioned like that on the record.

Huffington Post

As mentioned above, the genomic structure of TMV-RNA functions like that of mRNA in that it can be translated into proteins directly.

Bioscience Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "function like that" to draw a comparison or analogy between the way something works and a known concept or system, making it easier for the reader to understand.

Common error

While "function like that" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and descriptive language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "function like that" primarily serves as a comparative descriptor, indicating similarity in operation or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, demonstrating its role in drawing analogies between different processes or systems. It's frequently used to explain complex systems by relating them to more familiar ones.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "function like that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to draw comparisons and simplify complex explanations. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it helps bridge understanding by relating unfamiliar concepts to familiar ones. While its use is widespread across various contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media, demonstrating a neutral to slightly informal register. When aiming for precision in formal or academic writing, consider using more descriptive alternatives. Overall, "function like that" serves as a useful tool for clarifying how something works by relating it to something else, making it easier to grasp. The phrase frequency is uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operate in that manner

Focuses on the way something works or behaves.

work in that fashion

Highlights the style or method of operation.

perform in that way

Emphasizes the execution or action of something.

act in that capacity

Stresses the role or function someone or something fulfills.

behave in that manner

Relates to conduct or actions exhibited.

run in that way

Implies a system or process operating in a specific manner.

work similarly

Highlights the resemblance in operation.

serve that purpose

Focuses on the intended goal or utility.

fulfill that role

Emphasizes the part something or someone plays.

operate accordingly

Implies operating in a consistent and appropriate manner to the context.

FAQs

How can I use "function like that" in a sentence?

You can use "function like that" to describe how something operates or behaves in a particular manner, similar to something else. For example: "The new software is designed to "function like that", making it easier for users to navigate."

What are some alternatives to saying "function like that"?

You can use alternatives like "operate in that manner", "work in that fashion", or "perform in that way" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "functions like that" instead of "function like that"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "functions like that" for singular subjects (e.g., "The system functions like that"), and "function like that" for plural subjects (e.g., "The systems function like that").

What's the difference between "function like that" and "behave like that"?

"Behave like that" typically refers to conduct or actions, while "function like that" refers to how something operates or works. You would use "behave like that" to describe someone's actions and "function like that" to describe a process or mechanism.