functional part

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "functional part" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a component or aspect of something that serves a specific purpose or function. Example: "In the design of the software, the functional part is crucial for ensuring that all features operate as intended."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The functional part provides various functions and models that are used to emulate LTE network environments, including femtocells and UEs.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

He thinks Medicare is the most functional part of the health-care system.

The New Yorker

The crown is the functional part of the tooth that is visible above the gum.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two astronauts from the shuttle Atlantis went on final spacewalk from the International Space Station, converting a newly installed girder into a functional part of the complex.

The New York Times

As a young boy in Libya it was hard to escape the conclusion that the women were the most feeling and most functional part of society.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In 25 years the walls will be ugly and aging structures while the bermed and landscaped buffer zone will have grown into an attractive and functional part of the community.

The New York Times

But they insist they do not revel in the image of being the functional part of the empire, perhaps looking even better compared with the dysfunction down the hall.

The New York Times - Sports

She refers to this component as the "phonologic module, the language factory, the functional part of the brain where the sounds of language are put together to form words, and where words are broken down into their elemental sounds".

The New York Times - Health

The modern concept of the theatrical scene, which is an integral and functional part of the play, evolved from the Renaissance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Construction of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge (1964) finally opened the borough to rapid development and made it a functional part of city life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It was toward the end of the Lupollo study that I became convinced that organized crime was a functional part of the American social system and should be viewed as one end of a continuum of business enterprises with legitimate business at the other end," Ianni wrote.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing systems or designs, clearly specify which part is the "functional part" and explain its specific role in the overall operation. This enhances clarity and understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "functional part" when a more specific term would provide better clarity. For example, instead of saying "the functional part of the software", specify "the user interface" or "the data processing module" if that's more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "functional part" acts as a noun phrase typically functioning as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies a specific component within a larger system that serves a definite purpose. As seen in the examples from Ludwig, it's used to pinpoint crucial components.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "functional part" is a common and correct way to describe a component that fulfills a specific role within a larger system. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and readily used across different contexts. While it frequently appears in scientific and technical domains, its applications extend to news and general writing as well. To enhance clarity, specify the role the "functional part" plays, and be mindful of instances where more descriptive language could be preferable. Alternatives like "operational component", "key component" or "working element" can provide greater precision depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operational component

Focuses on the operational aspect, highlighting its role in making something work.

key component

Stresses the importance of the component in the overall system.

working element

Emphasizes that the component is actively working or performing its function.

essential module

Highlights the necessity and modularity of the component.

critical section

Emphasizes the importance and criticality of the part.

practical aspect

Focuses on the practicality and usefulness of the component.

active ingredient

Implies that the part is what causes the desired effect.

integral feature

Highlights that the part is necessary and forms part of a complete whole.

useful segment

Focuses on the utility and division of the component.

effective portion

Highlights how the part is effective and how it is a portion of a bigger system.

FAQs

How can I use "functional part" in a sentence?

You can use "functional part" to describe a component of something that has a specific purpose, as in "The crown is the "functional part" of the tooth that is visible above the gum".

What is a good alternative to "functional part"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "functional part" could include "operational component", "working element", or "key component".

Which is more precise, "functional part" or "technical part"?

The choice depends on the context. "Technical part" refers more broadly to the technical aspects, while "functional part" emphasizes the element responsible for a specific function. For example, you might say "the technical part of the project involved coding", but "the "functional part" was the user interface".

What does it mean when something is described as a "functional part" of a system?

It means that it's a necessary element that serves a particular purpose or performs a specific operation within that system. Without it, the system may not operate as intended.