functional use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "functional use" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it when referring to the purpose or utility of a particular object, material, piece of information, etc. For example, "The functional use of the kitchen table is to provide a designated surface for preparing meals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As Deleuze and Guattari remind us, it is not actually simple functional use but rather the emergence of expressive materials that defines the territory (Deleuze and Guattari [1980]).

City, Territory and Architecture

Or does anyone have a functional use for them?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Walking is difficult, and he does not have functional use of his right hand.

The New York Times

I don't have functional use of my left hand.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The plan provides a functional use for one of the most wonderful buildings ever designed to board an airplane from," he said.

The New York Times

Mr. Santini said his firm -- "as guilty as any in building these things" -- was also trying to persuade some clients to consider a more functional use of space.

The New York Times

In delineating a third path to African art, that of functional use, this show, like the "Hair" exhibition, more or less erases its tracks.

The New York Times - Arts

Fiction has developed in unexpected ways since Elizabeth Bowen commanded, in her "Notes on Writing a Novel," that the "functional use of dialogue for the plot must be the first thing in the novelist's mind.

The New Yorker

Or even as a boot jack: I watched an arthritic elderly man ease off a worn leather heel against a column drum at his front door, finding a functional use for the stone's fluted corner which its ancient carver probably never anticipated.

The Guardian - Travel

After that, as Canavero explained in academic papers and speeches, he planned surgically to attach the first head to the second body, fusing the spinal cords so that the owner of the first head might enjoy the functional use of the second body.

The Guardian

The 'Functional Use' data is either based on reported data or predicted by functional use QSAR models built on the harmonized functional use categories derived from reported uses [63].

Journal of Cheminformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the design of a product, specify its "functional use" to clarify its intended purpose and how it benefits the user.

Common error

Don't use "functional use" when a more specific term like "application", "operation", or "implementation" would provide greater clarity and detail about the purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "functional use" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a direct object or a subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in various contexts. It describes the intended or actual application of something, emphasizing its purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "functional use" is a grammatically correct and frequently employed term, signifying the intended or actual application of something. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across various writing styles, with high prevalence in science, news, and formal business contexts. When considering alternatives like "practical application" or "operational utility", it's crucial to select a phrase that accurately conveys the nuances of the intended meaning. Remember, clarity is paramount: avoid vagueness and ensure your writing precisely communicates the object or system's purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practical application

Emphasizes the real-world implementation and utility rather than just potential use.

operational utility

Focuses on the usefulness of something in a working or operational context.

purposeful employment

Highlights the intentional and directed use of something for a specific goal.

effective utilization

Stresses the efficiency and positive outcome of using something.

serviceable application

Suggests that the use is adequate and fulfills the necessary requirements.

utilitarian function

Emphasizes the practical and useful nature of the function.

applied functionality

Highlights how functionality is put into action or practice.

active service

Implies ongoing and current use rather than potential or past use.

viable implementation

Focuses on the feasibility and workability of putting something to use.

pragmatic usage

Highlights a practical and sensible way of using something

FAQs

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

You can use "functional use" to describe the intended purpose or utility of something. For example: "The "functional use of this device" is to measure temperature" or "The design prioritizes "functional use over aesthetics"".

What is a good substitute for "functional use"?

Alternatives to "functional use" include "practical application", "operational utility", or "purposeful employment", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "functional use"?

While "functional" implies use, "functional use" can emphasize the actual or intended application, distinguishing it from theoretical or potential applications. So, it is not necessarily redundant, but consider if "use" alone suffices.

What's the difference between "functional use" and "practical use"?

"Functional use" refers to the intended design and operation, while "practical use" highlights its real-world application and effectiveness. "Functional use" focuses on design, whereas "practical use" focuses on real application.