functions as a guide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "functions as a guide" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that provides direction or assistance in understanding a concept or process. Example: "The manual functions as a guide for new users to navigate the software effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

In other words, this book functions as a guide to religion and ecology both "as an academic field and as an engaged force" (p. 10).

Yale University

She notes that the body "as action and communication can only be so through emotion", and that emotion functions as "a guide to, and preparation of, the individual's social action" (O'Loughlin 1998, p. 279 280).

Video Journal of Education and Pedagogy

Timmy, a Smartie rescued in the first mission, functions as a guide for the player: introducing other Smartie characters, and providing exposition of the scenario.

Wikipedia

miRNA functions as a guide molecule in post-transcriptional gene silencing by partially pairing with the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs, leading to translational repression [9].

Plosone

Together with a protein complex known as RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), miRNA functions as a guide molecule in post-transcriptional gene silencing by partially complementing to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNA.

Plosone

miRNA functions as a guide molecule in post-transcriptional gene silencing by partially complementing with the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) of the target mRNAs, leading to translational repression [7] [9].

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Though we can never know absolute space, it nonetheless functions as a regulative principle that guides us in our scientific practice by forcing us to look for further conditions for the conditioned objects we meet with in experience.

SEP

Suggested menus are meant to function as a guide, not an eating girdle.

The New York Times

If this book is to function as a guide to essential purchases, each reader will need to ponder each entry with a dash of scepticism to avoid being disappointed.

The Guardian - Books

He offers a theory of compliance with the law designed not simply to answer theoretical questions about civil disobedience, but to function as a guide for citizens and officials.

Harvard University

She said she saw herself "functioning as a guide in an architectural place that asks another set of questions about power and relationships that perhaps then we can all then stand in front of.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "functions as a guide", ensure that the noun being described genuinely offers practical direction or assistance in understanding a process or concept. For example, "This manual functions as a guide to the software's features."

Common error

Avoid using "functions as a guide" if the subject offers only superficial assistance or lacks comprehensive information. Instead of saying "This summary functions as a guide to the entire book", when the summary only covers a few chapters, be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "functions as a guide" primarily serves as a predicate nominative, linking a subject to a noun phrase that renames or describes it. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is commonly used to clarify the purpose or role of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "functions as a guide" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe something that provides direction or assistance. Ludwig AI validates its usability, and it appears across various contexts, including science, news media, and academia. While synonyms like "serves as a guide" or "acts as a guide" offer slight variations, "functions as a guide" remains a clear and effective way to communicate the guiding purpose of an entity. Just ensure its use is accurate and the guide indeed provides the intended level of assistance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serves as a guide

Replaces "functions" with "serves", keeping the meaning identical while offering a different verb.

acts as a guide

Substitutes "functions" with "acts", providing a slightly more active connotation.

operates as a guide

Uses "operates" instead of "functions", emphasizing the practical application of providing guidance.

works as a guide

Replaces "functions" with "works", suggesting effectiveness in providing direction.

is a guiding resource

Restructures the phrase to focus on the noun, highlighting the resource aspect of the guide.

provides direction

Shifts from 'guide' as a noun to 'direction' as a noun, focusing on the act of guiding.

offers guidance

Similar to providing direction, this alternative emphasizes the act of offering guidance rather than the entity of a guide.

assists in navigation

Focuses on the outcome of being guided, which is the ability to navigate effectively.

facilitates understanding

Emphasizes the role of the guide in making something easier to understand.

illuminates the path

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe how a guide helps one proceed.

FAQs

What does "functions as a guide" mean?

The phrase "functions as a guide" means that something serves the purpose of providing direction, instruction, or assistance, helping someone navigate a process, understand a topic, or achieve a goal.

How can I use "functions as a guide" in a sentence?

You can use "functions as a guide" to describe anything that helps someone understand or navigate something. For example, "This tutorial "serves as a guide" to using the new software".

What are some alternatives to "functions as a guide"?

Some alternatives to "functions as a guide" include "acts as a guide", "serves as a guide", or "provides direction". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "functions as a guide" or "serves as a guide"?

Both "functions as a guide" and "serves as a guide" are grammatically correct and have very similar meanings. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.