functionally equivalent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "functionally equivalent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that two things serve the same purpose or have the same effect, even if they are different in form or structure. Example: "In programming, two different algorithms can be functionally equivalent, producing the same output for a given input."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These formulations are functionally equivalent.

Cornell University

They have to be functionally equivalent campuses.

The Guardian

Are the two representations functionally equivalent?

Princeton University

Looking to guns for salvation is functionally equivalent to religion.

The Guardian - Opinion

fraig_sweep – Detects functionally equivalent nodes in a logic network.

University of California, Berkeley

And the Medicare bill restricts Medicare from declaring drugs to be functionally equivalent in the future.

The New York Times - Health

Functionally equivalent translations, at their most radical, often bypass the exotic metaphors of the Bible entirely.

The New Yorker

And there comes a point, as the action accelerates, when numbers and colors become functionally equivalent.

The New York Times - Tech

*Office 365 Pro Plus and Office 2019 Professional Plus are functionally equivalent.

Stanford University

In previous work, SAT sweeping merges two vertices only if they are functionally equivalent.

University of California, Berkeley

"We created two applicant profiles that were functionally equivalent," Correll said.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "functionally equivalent" to emphasize that different entities achieve the same result despite potential structural or compositional differences.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "functionally equivalent" implies identical internal workings. The phrase only indicates that the end result or purpose is the same, not necessarily the process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "functionally equivalent" acts as a qualifying adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that two or more entities perform the same function or achieve the same outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

Academia

30%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "functionally equivalent" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe entities that share a common function or outcome, regardless of structural differences. As Ludwig AI notes, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse fields like science, academia, and news media. While phrases like "practically identical" or "operationally similar" can serve as alternatives, "functionally equivalent" provides a precise and formal way to highlight the equivalence in purpose. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize shared functionality rather than complete identity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Practically identical

Emphasizes the near indistinguishability in practical application or outcome.

Operationally similar

Focuses on the similarity in how they operate or function in a system.

Effectively interchangeable

Highlights the ability to replace one with the other without significant impact.

Serving the same function

Directly points out that both options fulfill the same purpose or role.

Analogous in function

Suggests a parallel in their respective functions or roles.

Equivalent in effect

Focuses on producing the same outcome or result.

Performing the same task

Highlights their shared capability to execute a specific action or task.

Interchangeable in practice

Stresses the practical substitutability of the two, rather than theoretical equivalence.

Comparable in performance

Compares the level of performance achieved by each option.

Working in the same way

Highlights the similarity in the methodology or process used.

FAQs

How can I use "functionally equivalent" in a sentence?

You can use "functionally equivalent" to describe two or more things that perform the same function or achieve the same result, even if they are different. For example: "Although the two drugs have different chemical structures, they are "functionally equivalent" in treating the disease".

What's a simpler way to say "functionally equivalent"?

Simpler alternatives to "functionally equivalent" include "practically identical", "operationally similar", or "effectively interchangeable", depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is "functionally equivalent" most appropriate?

"Functionally equivalent" is particularly appropriate in technical, scientific, or formal contexts where precision is important. It's used to indicate that two different things perform the same function despite any differences they may have.

What is the difference between "functionally equivalent" and "identical"?

"Functionally equivalent" means that two things perform the same function, even if they are different. "Identical" means that two things are exactly the same in all respects. Two items can be "functionally equivalent" without being identical, but identical items are always functionally equivalent.