functioning as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "functioning as a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe how something is used or serving a purpose. For example, "This laptop is functioning as a home office for its owner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Books

The cosmos is viewed as structured as, and functioning as, a benevolent absolute monarchy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

functioning as a behavioral type system.

University of California, Berkeley

> The Apache http server is functioning as a reverse proxy.

Cornell University

He couldn't understand how a 15-year-old boy could be functioning as a lawyer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Copland's former home has been refurbished and is functioning as a retreat for young composers.

The New York Times

"Once we come out of administration we can start functioning as a normal football club again.

The Guardian - Sport

Political involvement by veterans involves merely showcasing incumbents and functioning as a collective begging society.

The New York Times

"At the time [Sweeney] purchased the island, it was fully functioning as a tidal wetland.

The Guardian

Now 19, but functioning as a 13 year old, Alfie is still troubled, she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

By functioning as a safety valve, we are enabling our southern neighbor's bad policies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "functioning as a" to clearly define the role or purpose something fulfills within a specific context. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures that your audience understands the intended function.

Common error

Avoid using "functioning as a" with abstract or undefined subjects. For example, instead of saying "Happiness is functioning as a solution", specify the subject and context: "For him, music is functioning as a therapeutic solution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "functioning as a" primarily acts as a verbal phrase that connects a subject to its role, purpose, or action within a sentence. It elucidates the ongoing activity or state of performing a specific duty, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "functioning as a" is a versatile and commonly used expression for describing the role, purpose, or action of something in a given context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of writing styles, from formal academic papers to news articles. Its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian attests to its reliability and clarity. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject is well-defined to avoid vagueness, and consider alternatives like "serving as a" or "operating as a" for nuanced meanings. In summary, "functioning as a" is a valuable tool for expressing the practical application of a subject's utility, maintaining clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operating as a

Emphasizes the active process of performing a role or function.

serving as a

Highlights the role or purpose something fulfills.

acting as a

Suggests a temporary or assumed role.

working as a

Focuses on the practical application of skills or resources.

performing the function of a

A more formal and explicit way of stating the role or action.

fulfilling the role of a

Emphasizes the completion or achievement of a specific duty.

constituting a

Indicates that something forms or composes a particular entity.

equating to a

Highlights that something is essentially the same as another.

being used as a

Focuses on the act of using something for a specific purpose.

representing a

Highlights the symbolic nature of its role or existence.

FAQs

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

Use "functioning as a" to describe the role or purpose something serves. For example, "This room is "functioning as a" temporary office".

What are some alternatives to "functioning as a"?

You can use phrases like "operating as a", "serving as a", or "acting as a" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "function as a" instead of "functioning as a"?

While "function as a" is grammatically correct, ""functioning as a"" emphasizes the ongoing action or state of serving a particular role. "Function as a" simply describes the capability to serve that role.

How does ""functioning as a"" differ from "being used as a"?

"Functioning as a" implies an inherent or designed purpose, whereas "being used as a" emphasizes the act of employing something for a specific purpose, even if it's not the original intention.