functioning as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "functioning as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is taking the role of something else. For example, "The new team is functioning as a temporary advisory panel for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Society stops functioning as well as it did.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was functioning as a reporter, and he reported what an observer could perceive.

The New York Times - Books

Nassau County has not, by most accounts, been functioning as well as possible.

The New York Times

The markets are open but not functioning as well as the Marines would like.

The New Yorker

We continue to believe that the exceptional funding scheme is functioning as intended.

The Guardian

That is, if the spacecraft was functioning as planned.

Science Magazine

Clearly, not all programs are functioning as anticipated.

The Guardian - Money

Functioning as gatekeepers was not entirely new for them.

The New York Times

After functioning as living architecture, the children will build models.

The New York Times

"And these kids are really functioning as heroes".

The New York Times

So from that point of view, the government is functioning as it should be".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "functioning as", ensure the sentence clearly identifies both the subject performing the function and the role it's undertaking to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Be careful not to use "functioning as" in overly complex sentences where the intended meaning might become unclear. Simplify the sentence or rephrase to ensure readability and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "functioning as" primarily serves as a prepositional phrase, indicating the role or purpose that something fulfills within a given context. Ludwig's examples show a wide range of applications across diverse fields, underlining its versatility in describing functions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "functioning as" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to define the role or purpose of something within a specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage make it a valuable tool for clear and precise communication. It finds frequent application across News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "operating as" or "serving as" offer nuanced variations, the core function remains consistent: to articulate the role something is currently fulfilling. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating both the subject and its function to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operating as

Focuses more on the active process of performing a function, suggesting a slightly more dynamic role.

serving as

Emphasizes the role or purpose that something fulfills, often implying a helpful or supportive function.

acting as

Highlights the performance of a specific role, potentially temporary or informal.

working as

Suggests a professional or vocational context, implying employment or a defined task.

performing the function of

A more formal and explicit way of stating the role something plays.

fulfilling the role of

Emphasizes the successful completion of duties associated with a specific position.

in the capacity of

A formal and often legalistic phrase denoting the authority or position in which someone is acting.

taking on the role of

Highlights the act of assuming responsibilities, often in a deliberate or planned manner.

essentially being

Expresses the core nature or primary identity of something in a given situation.

equating to

Implies that something is effectively the same as something else, or has an equivalent effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "functioning as" to describe the role or purpose something is serving. For example, "The committee is "acting as" a liaison between the company and its employees".

What are some alternatives to "functioning as"?

Some alternatives include "operating as", "serving as", or "acting as", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "functioning as" in formal writing?

Yes, "functioning as" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe a role or purpose. However, in some contexts "serving as" or "in the capacity of" may sound more elevated.

What is the difference between "functioning as" and "functions as"?

"Functioning as" typically describes an ongoing or temporary role, while "functions as" describes a permanent or inherent characteristic. For instance, "The software is "acting as" a server" (temporary), versus "The heart "functions as" a pump" (permanent).