function over aesthetics

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "function over aesthetics" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a preference for practicality and usability rather than visual appeal. Example: "In designing the new app, we prioritized function over aesthetics to ensure a seamless user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

For Fel, that function takes precedence over aesthetics, and he's not the only one who feels this way.

Huffington Post

Participating in varied sports may support other "body positive" experiences, providing women a foundation to privilege their bodily strength and function over their bodily aesthetics and to enjoy the physicality of their sport (Eklund and Masberg 2014; Krane et al. 2004).

Fashion and Textiles

Footwear purchases combine concerns over aesthetics, functionality, price and durability.

The Guardian - Music

But in other ways, the architects suggest, the project presents a post-recession template, in which function and use of a space almost take precedence over aesthetics.

The New York Times - Arts

Patients with EOA report more pain and functional limitations, worse hand mobility, less satisfaction with hand function and aesthetics than those with non-erosive hand OA.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Yet in recent times appearance has been admired over purpose, aesthetics over social need.

The Guardian - Arts

The controversy was mostly over aesthetics.

The New Yorker

So the battles are often fought over aesthetics and need.

The New York Times

ALL around the country, conflicts are brewing over aesthetics.

The New York Times

It's not designing from a fashion point of view, it's purely logic, function and aesthetics.

The Guardian - Arts

The Milliken pylons that strode across Britain from the 1930s were a compelling compromise between raw function and aesthetics.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When prioritizing "function over aesthetics", clearly define the functional requirements first to avoid sacrificing essential features for visual appeal.

Common error

While focusing on "function over aesthetics", avoid creating a product or design that is difficult or unpleasant to use. A balance between functionality and user-friendliness is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "function over aesthetics" primarily operates as a prepositional phrase, often functioning as an adverbial modifier. It indicates a preference or prioritization in decision-making processes, design principles, or general approaches. It's often used to convey the idea that usability or practicality is more important than appearance, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "function over aesthetics" is a prepositional phrase used to express the importance of practicality and usability over visual appeal. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English, indicating a preference for effectiveness rather than mere attractiveness. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. Related phrases include "practicality before beauty" and "utility over ornamentation". When using this phrase, clearly define functional requirements and avoid sacrificing user experience. The prominence of authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian reinforces its credibility and widespread understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practicality before beauty

Emphasizes the importance of being practical as a higher value than beauty.

utility over ornamentation

Focuses on the usefulness of something rather than its decorative aspects.

form follows function

Highlights the design principle where the shape of something should be primarily based upon its intended function or purpose.

substance over style

Highlights the importance of the underlying content, quality, or meaning (substance) compared to superficial presentation or outward appearance (style).

serviceability before showiness

Highlights the importance of serviceability compared to being showy.

efficiency over elegance

Highlights the importance of being efficient compared to elegance.

purpose before prettiness

Highlights the importance of having a purpose compared to prettiness.

usefulness over appearance

Highlights the importance of usefulness compared to appearance.

operability before presentation

Highlights the importance of operability compared to presentation.

performance over appearance

Highlights the importance of performance compared to appearance.

FAQs

How to use "function over aesthetics" in a sentence?

Use "function over aesthetics" to describe situations where practicality is more important than visual appeal. For example: "In emergency situations, we prioritize "function over aesthetics" to ensure safety".

What does it mean to prioritize "function over aesthetics"?

Prioritizing "function over aesthetics" means focusing on the practical use and purpose of something rather than its appearance or visual appeal. It emphasizes usability and effectiveness.

What are some alternatives to saying "function over aesthetics"?

You can use alternatives like "practicality before beauty", "utility over ornamentation", or "form follows function" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to choose "function over aesthetics"?

It is appropriate when usability, performance, or practicality are more important than visual appeal. This is often the case in engineering, emergency response, or software design.