functioned as an interpreter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "functioned as an interpreter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone or something that acted in the role of an interpreter, facilitating communication between parties who speak different languages. Example: "During the international conference, Maria functioned as an interpreter, ensuring that all participants understood each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other barriers created by the claimant might be level of education, language restraints, family members functioning as an interpreter, and the diagnosis from curative health care.

BMC Public Health

He didn't talk much about his work, but Arnett did, functioning almost as an interpreter: tigers often symbolized black-male strength; un-recycled tin cans, the laboring class; monkeys, white men.

The New Yorker

Bhatt got a job at Woolworths after school and he and his siblings functioned as interpreters for their mother, who didn't have much English, and, almost immediately after arriving in the UK, they were negotiating leases and utility bills.

The Guardian

Then came the mudaliyars who functioned as judges and interpreters of the laws and customs of the land.

Wikipedia

Some of the drug vendors functioned as interpreters, not only of language, but also of the meanings that were ascribed to drugs, of how slow or fast the body reacts to treatments, and of finding the right way of communicating during consultations.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

She goes to Paris and takes work as an interpreter in a department store.

The New Yorker

I don't regret my work as an interpreter.

Vice

"We function as a nonprofit.

Los Angeles Times

So my role is as much an interpreter as anything else.

Forbes

AO: I work part-time as an interpreter.

Forbes

The intriguingly epicene Mr. Redmayne is something of a cipher in the film, which is fine when Tony functions as the spectator and interpreter of parental melodrama.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "functioned as an interpreter", ensure the context clearly indicates the languages involved and the purpose of the interpretation.

Common error

Do not use "functioned as an interpreter" when the role was more than just language translation; consider alternatives like "liaison" or "mediator" if cultural understanding or conflict resolution were also involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "functioned as an interpreter" serves as a verbal phrase indicating the action of someone performing the role of an interpreter. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, describing a person acting as an interpreter, facilitating communication between parties.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "functioned as an interpreter" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone performing the role of an interpreter, facilitating communication between different language speakers. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, the frequency is currently missing due to the lack of direct examples in the provided data. The phrase finds relevance across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal settings, though it lacks strong representation in any particular domain. When employing the phrase, ensure the context highlights the languages involved and the purpose of the interpretation, avoiding its use when the role extends beyond language translation alone. Consider related phrases like "served as a translator" or "acted as a liaison" for nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interpreted

A shorter version, focusing directly on the action of interpreting. It is less descriptive and has a smaller amount of information compared to the original phrase.

served as a translator

This alternative emphasizes the role of converting written text, while the original focuses on spoken communication. The nuance is in the medium of translation.

translated

A shorter version, focusing directly on the action of translating. Does not state the fact that the entity is operating in that role.

provided interpretation services

More formal and business-oriented, suitable for professional contexts. It shifts the focus to providing a service.

acted as a liaison

This suggests a broader role of facilitating communication, potentially including cultural understanding, not just language conversion. Broadening role and context.

offered linguistic assistance

Formal and focuses on aid related to language skills. Shifts the focus from the act of interpreting to offering help.

rendered in another language

Focuses on the act of transforming the information from one language into another. Emphasizes the transformation process.

worked as a mediator

Implies resolving disputes, adding a conflict-resolution element that may not be present in simple interpretation. Adds conflict resolution to the role.

facilitated communication

Focuses on the act of making communication easier, without explicitly mentioning language. Emphasis on ease, not just translation.

bridged the language gap

A more metaphorical expression. The focus is more on overcoming a difficulty.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "functioned as an interpreter" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "provided interpretation services" or "served as a translator". These alternatives emphasize the professional nature of the role.

What's the difference between saying someone "functioned as an interpreter" and saying they "worked as a translator"?

"Functioned as an interpreter" implies a specific instance or period where someone acted as an interpreter, while "worked as a translator" suggests a more ongoing or professional role. It depends on if you want to focus on that specific role or the entire person's job.

When is it better to use "acted as a liaison" instead of "functioned as an interpreter"?

Use "acted as a liaison" when the role involved more than just language translation, such as facilitating communication, understanding, and relationship-building between different parties. Acting as a liaison implies a broader role than just "functioned as an interpreter".

Is "functioned as an interpreter" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "functioned as an interpreter" is suitable for academic writing, particularly when describing a specific instance where someone facilitated communication between individuals or groups who speak different languages. Ensure the context is clear and the term is used accurately.