functioned as a

USAGE SUMMARY

"functioned as a" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is used to describe how something is used, or how someone has been acting in a particular situation. For example, "The young lawyer functioned as a mediator between the two sides."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Especially appropriate for music with philosophical implications, the outside noise functioned as a cosmic reminder.

The New York Times - Arts

In these instances, formality functioned as a 'life jacket' (Ring and Van de Ven 1994).

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

It briefly functioned as a jail.

The Guardian - Books

The whole box functioned as a temperature regulator, Hoff said.

The New Yorker

Poiret functioned as a kind of one-man cultural scene.

The New York Times - Arts

It functioned as a washbasin because of the shape".

The New Yorker

The cabinet never really functioned as a cohesive group.

The New York Times

The name functioned as a kind of social punishment.

The New York Times

But how Angkor functioned as a city remained unknown.

The New York Times - Science

If art functioned as a way to hide, it also functioned as a way to be seen.

The New York Times

"For the last two years he has functioned as a managed athlete.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "functioned as a", ensure that the context clearly defines the role or purpose being described. Provide specific details to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "functioned as a" when describing simple actions or states of being. Reserve it for situations where a clear, definable role or purpose is evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "functioned as a" primarily serves as a predicate in sentences, indicating the role, purpose, or mode of operation something fulfilled or assumed. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase describes how something is used or how someone has been acting in a particular situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "functioned as a" is a versatile expression used to define the role, purpose, or operational mode of something. Ludwig AI verifies its grammatical correctness and applicability in various situations. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in both News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for diverse communications. When writing, ensure that the role being described is clear and specific. For alternatives, consider ""served as a"" or ""acted as a"", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

served as a

Focuses on the action of serving a purpose, similar to functioning.

acted as a

Emphasizes the performance of a role, rather than inherent function.

operated as a

Highlights the operational aspect of a role or function.

worked as a

Suggests a practical or employed function.

was used as a

Focuses on the utilization of something for a specific function.

played the role of a

Indicates a more deliberate or assigned function.

fulfilled the function of a

Highlights the completion or satisfaction of a required role.

was designed as a

Emphasizes the intended purpose or design specification.

was intended as a

Highlights the original intention or plan.

essentially was a

Indicates the fundamental nature or true character of something.

FAQs

How can I use "functioned as a" in a sentence?

Use "functioned as a" to describe the role or purpose something served in a specific context. For example, "During the war, the building "functioned as a hospital"".

What are some alternatives to "functioned as a"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "served as a", "acted as a", or "operated as a".

Is it correct to say "functioned like a" instead of "functioned as a"?

While "functioned like a" can be used to describe similarity in function, "functioned as a" is more appropriate when describing the actual role or purpose something fulfilled. "Functioned like a" implies a comparison, whereas "functioned as a" states a fact.

What's the difference between "functioned as a" and "served as a"?

"Served as a" "served as a" emphasizes the act of providing a service or fulfilling a role, while "functioned as a" "functioned as a" highlights the operational or practical aspect of that role. They are often interchangeable, but "functioned as a" can imply a more intrinsic or designed purpose.