in function

USAGE SUMMARY

"in function" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the action or purpose of something. For example: "This tool works well in function."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They are also fundamentally similar in function.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In function, they are less lofty.

The Economist

They are equally diverse in function.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many relays are protective in function.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The gap was closed in function, as well as form.

The Guardian - Tech

"There is not a change in function," Mr. Kelly said.

The New York Times

Such devices have not only been too expensive, but too limited in function.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Prices for a regular Prius hybrid with no plug-in function start at $22,400 in the United States.

The New York Times

there is nothing novel here other than the zoom-in function and the Flickr integration.

TechCrunch

SCVNGR's team also developed a technology that adds on Foursquare's signature check-in function.

Huffington Post

Use the PHP built-in function: getdate.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in function", ensure the context clearly indicates what is performing the function and what that function is. For example, "The software is stable in function, providing reliable data analysis."

Common error

Avoid using "in function" when you actually mean "in theory" or "in principle". "In function" specifically refers to how something operates or works in practice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in function" primarily serves as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the manner or state of operation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. For example, "The system is efficient in function."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in function" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the operational state or manner of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "in operation" or "functional" exist, "in function" specifically highlights the active performance aspect. Remember to use it when referring to the practical operation, not theoretical principles, and always ensure clarity in your sentence structure. Pay close attention to register and audience as you choose "in function" over possible alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in operation

Emphasizes the state of being active or working.

in service

Focuses on the act of providing a service or being available for use.

in effect

Highlights the state of being operative or having a particular result.

operational

A single-word adjective describing something that is ready to function.

functional

Describes something capable of performing its intended purpose.

in working order

Emphasizes the condition of being properly maintained and ready for use.

in play

Focuses on active participation or involvement in a process.

in commission

Implies official authorization or activation for a specific task.

in action

Highlights the performance or execution of a task.

in performance

Focuses on the way something executes or fulfills its function.

FAQs

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

Use "in function" to describe the way something operates or performs. For instance, "The new system is more efficient "in function" than the old one."

What's a good alternative to "in function"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in operation", "in service", or "operational". Choose the one that best fits the meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "functional in nature" instead of "in function"?

While "functional in nature" is grammatically correct, it emphasizes the inherent characteristic of being functional. "In function" focuses more on the current state of operation or performance. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "in function" and "functioning"?

"In function" describes how something operates, while "functioning" is a continuous action. For example, "The device is "in function"" means it is designed to operate a certain way. "The device is "functioning" well" means it is currently operating correctly.