he functions as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he functions as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the role or capacity in which someone operates within a specific context or organization. Example: "In our project, he functions as the lead designer, overseeing all creative aspects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Thus he functions as a satirist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In other words, he functions as a coach.

The New York Times - Sports

He functions as the embodiment of gritty American authenticity, the plainspoken voice of a romanticized heartland.

The New Yorker

In this work, he functions as his own Olmsted: a translator of artistic vision into urban poetry.

The New York Times - Arts

Alter's evident sympathy for Obama and his policies scarcely means that he functions as a credulous court stenographer.

The New York Times

Even now his official duties have been discharged, he functions as protector, cheerleader and interpreter, clarifying some of Roky's more gnomic responses.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

More important, he functioned as an artistic liaison between New York and Paris.

The New York Times

He functioned as impresario, talent scout, super-organiser, arts politician and policy-maker par excellence.

The Guardian - Music

He functioned as if it was 75 degrees and the sun was out".

The New York Times - Sports

He functioned as a textbook for me: Learn to Talk Tudor.

The Guardian - Books

For a while he functioned as Secretary of State in the morning and Chief Justice in the afternoon.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he functions as" when describing someone's primary role or capacity within a specific context, such as in a project, organization, or narrative. Be sure the description accurately reflects their main duties and responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "he functions as" when a simpler verb like "is" or "acts" would suffice. Using overly formal language can make your writing sound stilted. Instead of saying "He functions as the team leader", consider "He is the team leader".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he functions as" serves to define a person's role or capacity within a particular context. It's a way of explaining the primary duties or purpose that someone fulfills. Ludwig's examples show a variety of applications, from describing a satirist's role to that of a coach or mediator.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he functions as" is a useful phrase for defining someone's role or capacity, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and science contexts. While effective, it's important to consider simpler alternatives like "he serves as" or "he acts as" to avoid overly formal language. When used appropriately, "he functions as" provides clarity and helps to explain individual contributions within a given context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he serves as

Replaces "functions" with "serves", emphasizing the act of providing a service or fulfilling a duty.

he acts as

Substitutes "functions" with "acts", highlighting the performance of a specific role or action.

he works as

Emphasizes the work or labor involved in the role, rather than just the function.

he operates as

Focuses on the manner in which someone carries out their role, suggesting a specific mode of operation.

he is employed as

Highlights the formal employment or engagement in a particular role.

he fulfills the role of

More explicitly states that someone is filling a defined role.

he takes on the responsibility of

Emphasizes the duties and accountabilities assumed by the individual.

he is responsible for

Directly states that someone is accountable for specific tasks or outcomes.

his role is to

Shifts the focus to the role itself, rather than the person performing it.

he is tasked with

Indicates that someone has been specifically assigned certain duties.

FAQs

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

Use "he functions as" to describe a person's role or capacity within a specific context. For instance, "In the play, "he functions as" the narrator."

What are some alternatives to "he functions as"?

You can use alternatives such as "he serves as", "he acts as", or "he works as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "functions as" when describing a role?

No, it's not always necessary. Simpler verbs like "is" or "acts" can often be more appropriate and less formal. The choice depends on the context and the desired tone.

What's the difference between "he functions as" and "he is responsible for"?

"He functions as" describes the overall role, while "he is responsible for" highlights specific duties or tasks within that role.