functional stuff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "functional stuff" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used informally to refer to practical or useful items, features, or aspects of something, often in a casual context. Example: "When designing the app, we need to focus on the functional stuff that will enhance user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Functional stuff.

The New York Times

It's cream, and so nicely impractical compared with M&S's often functional stuff, and faux-fur.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Amazon gets a tremendous amount of my money for books, gardening equipment and all that functional stuff.

The Guardian - Business

His incredibly young, radically reconstructed team played pretty functional stuff again (emphasis on "functional") but collected the points all the same.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's the functional stuff that's so often missing in women's bags," Muñoz says, assessing one by Want Les Essentiels de la Vie.

The New York Times

'The first stuff was funky and fun, things to look nice, but now I'm more interested in functional stuff and things we need.' Although he didn't want his home to look like a bouncy castle, there are a few very clever inflatables dotted around, like the blow-up blinds on the windows which are a great alternative to frosted glass.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

You don't need anything expensive, you just need functional and usable stuff.

WikiHow

"The object of undergraduate business education is to educate people, not to give them a lot of functional business stuff".

The New York Times

Unpretentious, functional, friendly and stuffed with locals who come for the excellent coffee and the best hot chocolates on the south coast.

The Guardian - Travel

Now, restaurant menus here are marrying the broader commercial movement of "functional" foods — those stuffed with heavy doses of vitamins and antioxidants — and a national fixation on immunity boosting (a fizzy gulp of Airborne is as much a part of the pre-flight experience as a baggage check).

The New York Times

Like so much moder stuff, it looks functional but lacks coziness & predictability.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing features or aspects of a product or system, use "functional stuff" to highlight the practical and useful elements that contribute to its effectiveness. For example: "This software excels in providing the core functional stuff needed for project management."

Common error

While "functional stuff" is acceptable in informal settings, avoid using "stuff" in formal writing. Instead, opt for more precise terms like "practical elements" or "useful features" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "functional stuff" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "functional" modifies the noun "stuff". Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It denotes items or aspects that serve a practical purpose, as illustrated in various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "functional stuff" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe practical and useful items or aspects. While Ludwig AI indicates its acceptance, it's more appropriate for informal contexts. For formal or academic writing, consider alternatives such as "practical elements" or "essential components". The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources. Remember to prioritize clarity and precision in your writing, choosing the most suitable language for your audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practical items

Focuses on the concrete objects that are useful.

useful equipment

Highlights the helpful nature of tools and gear.

essential supplies

Emphasizes necessities and things that are required.

working materials

Stresses items used in a task or profession.

utility goods

Indicates items that provide a service or meet a need.

serviceable components

Highlights the parts or elements that are in working order.

operational necessities

Stresses the things that are required to keep something running.

purposeful elements

Highlights components included with a specific aim.

efficient tools

Implies tools designed to maximize productivity.

usable resources

Focuses on resources available for practical use.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "functional stuff" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "practical elements", "essential components", or "necessary features". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "functional stuff" appropriate for academic writing?

While understandable, "functional stuff" is generally too informal for academic writing. Opt for more precise and academic language like "practical applications", "essential functions", or "operational aspects".

What does "functional" mean in the context of "functional stuff"?

In this context, "functional" means something that serves a purpose or is designed to be useful. Therefore, "functional stuff" refers to things that are practical and effective in achieving a specific goal.

What are some examples of "functional stuff" in everyday life?

Examples include tools, appliances, software features, or any item or aspect designed for practical use. Think of things like birdhouses, shelving, or pens with erasers—all "functional stuff" designed to serve a purpose.