in a functional sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a functional sense" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the practical or operational aspects of a concept, idea, or object, often to clarify its purpose or role. Example: "In a functional sense, the new software improves efficiency by automating repetitive tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The digestive system, in a functional sense, starts at the mouth, with the teeth used to capture prey or collect plant foods.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A certain idea of the city is therefore assumed here both in a functional sense and as a desirable reality.

City, Territory and Architecture

In a functional sense, the T-Rex has staked a claim in some of the last vehicular wilderness, halfway between an elemental roadster (think Mazda MX-5) and a touring motorcycle.

BBC

Not true in a functional sense, but true as a standard toward which the media should ever be mindful.

Huffington Post

Regardless of whether or not the phenomena observed here are adaptive in a mechanistic sense, our results provide compelling evidence that the system is at least adaptive in a functional sense, as the changes in temporal processing evoked by a change in stimulus context appear to promote efficient coding.

Plosone

Yet, one has to keep in mind that these terms are used here in a functional sense and do not necessarily imply homologies to other malacostracans.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

While distinctly a great economic force, it is not in any functional sense a great power. .

Huffington Post

They have become zombie ecosystems, neither dead nor truly alive in any functional sense, and on a trajectory to collapse within a human generation.

The New York Times

After three years of trying, during which time her beliefs calcified and my sense of self was enriched, I know it isn't possible, which leaves me wondering how I'm supposed to be a good son to a mother who's in a very functional sense dead to me.

Huffington Post

A strict material implication in its truth functional sense means that A is false or B is true [42].

Energy, Sustainability and Society

7 In this functional sense, hierarchical processing is a widespread property of brain systems.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a functional sense" to clarify that you're discussing the practical application or operation of something, rather than its theoretical or abstract properties.

Common error

Avoid using "in a functional sense" when discussing abstract concepts or philosophical ideas where the practical application isn't directly relevant. Choose a more appropriate phrase like "conceptually" or "theoretically" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a functional sense" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify that something is being considered from a practical or operational viewpoint. Ludwig AI provides examples where this phrase clarifies the specific lens through which an aspect is being evaluated.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a functional sense" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that serves to narrow the focus of a statement to its practical or operational implications. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase finds frequent application in scientific, academic, and news contexts. To ensure clarity and precision, it's best to use it when specifying a functional perspective, avoiding abstract or philosophical discussions where it might be irrelevant. By using the phrase consciously and following its conventions, you can effectively enhance the lucidity and applicability of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in terms of functionality

Directly addresses the functionality, useful when the primary concern is how something works.

from a practical perspective

Focuses specifically on practicality, omitting the broader implications of "sense".

in practical terms

Simplifies the idea to its most essential, actionable elements.

from an operational standpoint

Emphasizes the operational aspects, suitable for discussions of processes or systems.

as a matter of practicality

Emphasizes the pragmatic considerations.

regarding its utility

Highlights the usefulness or benefit of something.

considering its purpose

Shifts the focus to the intended aim or goal.

with respect to its application

Focuses on how something is used in a real-world context.

from a performance viewpoint

Highlights how something works or behaves.

effectively speaking

Addresses the actual effect or impact.

FAQs

How can I use "in a functional sense" in a sentence?

Use "in a functional sense" to specify that you are referring to the practical application or operational aspects of something. For example: "In a functional sense, the design of this tool prioritizes ease of use."

What are some alternatives to "in a functional sense"?

Alternatives include "from a practical perspective", "in terms of functionality", or "regarding its utility". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "in a functional sense"?

No, sometimes the context already implies a functional perspective. Using the phrase explicitly is helpful when you want to emphasize the practical application or to distinguish it from a theoretical viewpoint.

What is the difference between "in a functional sense" and "in a practical sense"?

While similar, "in a functional sense" often refers more directly to how something operates or performs its function, while "in a practical sense" emphasizes its usefulness or real-world applicability. The distinction is subtle, but "in a functional sense" is more closely tied to the mechanics of operation.