in their function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in their function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the role or purpose of something in a specific context. Example: "The two components work together in their function to enhance the overall performance of the system."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet, the developmental stage at which new neurons become functionally significant and how those unique properties might impact in their function remains unknown.

Plosone

Residential buildings are fairly static in their function, changing only at long intervals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"In most companies people make a specific contribution to the company in their function," he says.

The Economist

All of the other funeral directors I spoke with, in the course of my reporting, were genial people who took pride in their function.

The New Yorker

And unlike strands of DNA, proteins are three-dimensional units whose orientation and folding play an important role in their function.

The Economist

The nervous system and the endocrine system are closely related to one another in their function, for both serve to coordinate activity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To prevent this from happening, Volvo has developed redundant systems that overlap in their function.

Forbes

Dewey developed a distinction between moral statements in their function as "prizings" in contrast with their function as "appraisals".

SEP

Mitochondria are central players in cellular energy metabolism and, consequently, defects in their function result in many characterized metabolic diseases.

The American Journal of Pathology

Also the performance of antenna types that can exploit metallic surface in their function is presented and analysed.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

The "givens" of our situation such as our language, our environment, our previous choices and our very selves in their function as in-itself constitute our facticity.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the roles of multiple entities, use "in their function" to clearly delineate each entity's contribution to the overall process. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "in their function" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in informal contexts. Simpler alternatives like "how they work" or "what they do" may be more appropriate for everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in their function" acts as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by specifying the role, purpose, or operational aspect of multiple entities. It clarifies how something operates or what role it serves, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

74%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in their function" serves as a prepositional phrase, clarifying the roles or purposes of multiple entities within a specific context. The phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across diverse writing styles, from scientific literature to news articles. According to Ludwig, its primary role is to elucidate the specific contribution of elements within a larger system. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it's important to consider the register and opt for simpler alternatives in informal contexts. The analysis suggests that the phrase is most common in scientific and technical domains, reflecting its utility in providing precise and detailed explanations. Overall, "in their function" is a valuable tool for writers aiming for clarity and specificity in their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding their role

This alternative shifts the focus to the specific role something plays, offering a more direct perspective.

concerning their purpose

This focuses on the intended outcome or aim, highlighting the reason behind the entity's existence or operation.

in terms of their operation

This alternative emphasizes the practical aspects of how something works or is used.

with respect to their functionality

This highlights the capabilities and features of something, often in a technical context.

relating to their performance

This focuses on how well something executes its intended tasks or duties.

considering their task

This alternative places emphasis on a specific action, duty, or function assigned or expected.

as for their utility

This option emphasizes the usefulness or practical value that something provides.

about their capacity

This choice highlights the ability or potential of something to perform or produce.

in connection with their goal

This alternative is specifically about achieving a target, with direct implications for mission or aim.

pertaining to their working

This selection concentrates on actions with real-world force/effectiveness.

FAQs

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

You can use "in their function" to describe the role, purpose, or operation of something within a specific context. For example, "The components work together "in their function" to improve system performance."

What are some alternatives to "in their function"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "regarding their role", "concerning their purpose", or "in terms of their operation".

Is "in its function" different from "in their function"?

"In its function" refers to the role or purpose of a singular entity, while "in their function" refers to the roles or purposes of multiple entities. Use the correct form based on whether you're discussing one thing or several.

When is it appropriate to use "in their function" instead of "how they work"?

Use "in their function" when you want to emphasize the formal or technical role of something. "How they work" is more appropriate for informal contexts or when describing the operational aspects in simpler terms.