have a function

USAGE SUMMARY

"have a function" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that something has a specific purpose or role. Example: "The liver is an essential organ in the human body because it has the function of detoxifying harmful substances."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Artists have a function.

The Guardian - Arts

"Big banks have a function in society".

The New York Times

But do anxiety dreams have a function?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators have a function in pain32.

Nature

That means we have a function, A for analog.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Let's just integrate, except you don't have a function.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

One is that every design exercise must have a function.

The New York Times - Arts

"They have a function that continues to contribute to the quality and structure of group life".

The Guardian

You need to have a function, you need to send a sound for making people think".

The Guardian - Music

Labor Day parades still have a function, partly nostalgic, partly motivational.

The New York Times - Arts

Yes, books have a function that can be partially supplanted by a little device.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the roles of different components within a system, use "have a function" to clearly indicate each component's contribution to the overall operation. This helps in providing a structured and understandable explanation.

Common error

Don't use "have a function" when a simpler verb like "is" or "serves" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex. For example, instead of "This button has a function to turn on the device", try "This button turns on the device".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a function" primarily serves as a declarative statement to indicate that something possesses a specific purpose or role. Ludwig examples show it being used across diverse fields, to point out a pre-defined functionality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

35%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have a function" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something has a specific purpose or role. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across diverse fields such as science, news, and academia, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. While simpler alternatives like "serves a purpose" or "fulfills a role" exist, "have a function" provides a clear and direct way to define an entity's utility. The examples illustrate that while it can be used in multiple contexts, it is primarily seen in science-related content. Therefore, when precision and clarity are needed to define roles, opting for "have a function" is a solid choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve a purpose

This alternative focuses on the utility of something, highlighting that it is not without reason or use.

fulfill a role

This phrase emphasizes the part something plays in a larger system or context, suggesting a responsibility or duty.

perform a task

This suggests a specific action or duty that something is designed to execute.

be useful for

This alternative highlights the practical application and benefit of something.

provide a service

Focuses on the act of providing assistance or support, emphasizing the helpful nature of something.

contribute to

This emphasizes the addition or support something gives to a larger goal or process.

be designed to

This highlights the intentional creation of something for a specific purpose.

be intended for

Similar to 'be designed to', but places more emphasis on the original intention or goal.

play a part in

Suggests involvement or contribution to a specific process or outcome.

offer utility

This alternative underscores the usefulness and practicality of something.

FAQs

How can I use "have a function" in a sentence?

Use "have a function" to describe the specific purpose or role of something. For example, "The immune system "has a function" of defending the body against infections".

What's a simpler way to say "have a function"?

You can use phrases like "serves a purpose", "fulfills a role", or "is used for" as simpler alternatives to "have a function".

Is it better to say "has a function" or "serves a function"?

Both "has a function" and "serves a function" are grammatically correct, but "serves a function" often implies a more active or intentional role, while "has a function" is a more general statement of purpose.

When is it appropriate to use "have a function" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "have a function" when you want to clearly define the role or purpose of something, especially in technical, scientific, or explanatory contexts. It emphasizes that the item or process has a specific and intended use.