functioning as a support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "functioning as a support" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that serves as a means of assistance or reinforcement in a particular context. Example: "The new software is functioning as a support for our data analysis processes, making it easier for the team to interpret results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The men functioned as a support group for terrorist activity and a "sleeper operational combat cell," the indictment said.

The New York Times

Her fellow grantees--there are about 10 per year--also functioned as a support group.

Science Magazine

When scripture is cited in the master's own answer, it functions as a support for something for which independent arguments are given.

SEP

Marques et al. (2010) analysed both the positive and negative influences in which social networks functioned as a support but also as a generator of possible conflicts.

Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica

On Patients Like Me, a social-networking Web site that functions as a support group, users share intimate details of their diagnosis and treatment, including information about specific symptoms and medications.

Forbes

GE functioned as a support in the planning, throughout the statistical analysis and helped in drafting the manuscript.

BMC Nursing

Respondents were in agreement that Prism was a technological formalisation of existing practice, and that it would function as a support to clinical judgment, rather than replacing it.

BMC Family Practice

IHA functioned as a support in the planning of the study, participated actively in the statistical analysis and helped in drafting the manuscript.

BMC Nursing

There seemed to be clear agreement on what the tool was—a technological formalisation of existing practice and a common understanding that it would function as a support to clinical judgment, rather than a replacement for it.

BMC Family Practice

As major promoters of HSPs genes, DnaK/DnaJ can be activated under pressure shock, which might help to fold the newly synthesized proteins and prevent misfolding of partially denatured proteins [ 64, 65], and GrpE may function as a support factor of DnaK/DnaJ [ 66].

BMC Genomics

However, being dependent on someone else to fill out the diaries may be associated with issues, eg, that the diary may not function as a support in the same way for behavior change, word choices may be affected, or participants may feel less involved or engaged in the study than if they could fill out the diary by themselves.

Clinical interventions in aging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "functioning as a support", ensure the context clearly defines what is being supported. For example, specify whether it's emotional, structural, or technical support to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "functioning as a support" as a generic filler phrase. Be specific about the type of support provided and the intended outcome. Vague usage weakens your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "functioning as a support" typically acts as a predicate nominative, describing the role or capacity of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in English. The examples show it defining roles, like a website functioning as a support group.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "functioning as a support" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, as supported by Ludwig AI. It is used to define something that provides assistance or reinforcement. While the phrase is considered uncommon, it appears frequently in scientific and news media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the type of support is clearly defined. Alternatives such as "serving as an aid" or "acting as a reinforcement" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Serving as an aid

Changes the verb to 'serving' and uses 'aid' instead of 'support'.

Acting as a reinforcement

Replaces 'functioning' with 'acting' and 'support' with 'reinforcement'.

Providing assistance

Focuses on the action of 'providing' assistance.

Working as an advocate

Highlights the 'advocacy' aspect of support.

Lending assistance

Uses 'lending' to emphasize the act of giving assistance.

Offering reinforcement

Emphasizes the 'offering' of reinforcement.

Aiding in the capacity of

Formal rephrasing using 'aiding' and 'capacity'.

Supporting role

A more concise term that implies support.

Assisting as a facilitator

Highlights a particular type of assistance—facilitation.

Serving to bolster

Uses 'bolster' to mean strengthen or support.

FAQs

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

You can use "functioning as a support" to describe something that provides assistance or reinforcement. For example, "The mentorship program is "functioning as a support" for new employees."

What are some alternatives to "functioning as a support"?

Alternatives include "serving as an aid", "acting as a reinforcement", or "providing assistance" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "functioning as a support" or "acting as a support"?

Both "functioning as a support" and "acting as a support" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something is "functioning as a support"?

It means that something is serving to assist, reinforce, or uphold something else. It implies a role of providing aid or stability in a given context.