in what function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in what function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking about the role or purpose of something in a specific context. Example: "In what function does this software operate within the system?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The editors have cleverly set out the book's structure in terms of what function maps perform, instead of ranging from continent to continent as with traditional atlases.

University of Chicago

If pennaceous feathers were not being used for volant behaviours in oviraptorosaurs, what function did they serve?

Nature

Assuming the SCC existed in vivo, what function could it serve?

Biomaterials

In this study, we correlated changes in the population levels of individual bacterial genomes in the gut with changes of specific metabolites in the urine to reveal "which genome does what function in the microbiome" (Li et al., 2008).

EBioMedicine

The puzzles are always obvious in their location and what function they serve, and it is very rare to not know where to go next.

Vice

Given that ClC-6 resides in the lysosomal bypass route, what function would it fulfill?

Plosone

We mapped TFos of a species to homologous locations in the other and asked what function do those sites show.

BMC Genomics

At least let us provisionally accept this rather dogmatic assertion in order to examine the more interesting questions: what function has the historical perspective served in property, and what other function might history serve in the course?

Cornell University

What function macrosatellites have in genome biology is unclear.

BMC Genomics

See what function you are in.

WikiHow

Bloomberg executives apologized after Goldman Sachs and other banks complained that Bloomberg's journalists were able to look at information about when customers logged in and what functions they were using.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in what function", ensure the context clearly defines what is being examined. For instance, "In what function does this software operate within the system?" provides a specific framework.

Common error

Avoid using "in what function" when a simpler phrasing like "what is the function" suffices. Overcomplicating the sentence can obscure the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in what function" primarily serves as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about the role, operation, or purpose of something within a specific context. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in what function" is a grammatically sound interrogative used to explore the role or purpose of something, particularly within a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, while also illustrating its presence across diverse sources. Though not exceptionally common, it is seen in scientific, news, and academic domains. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly defining the context being examined. For example, specify the system or environment where the function operates to avoid ambiguity. Consider simpler alternatives like "what is the function" or "what role does it serve" for less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What is its function?

A more direct and concise way of asking the same question.

What role does it serve?

Focuses on the specific role fulfilled.

What purpose does it have?

Emphasizes the intended outcome or goal.

How does it operate?

Shifts the focus to the mechanism or process.

What is it used for?

Focuses on the practical application of something.

In what capacity does it work?

Focuses on the specific capacity or role something fulfills.

What is its job?

Uses a more informal term for 'function'.

What is its utility?

Emphasizes the usefulness or benefit.

What is its operational mode?

A more technical way of asking how something functions.

What is the manner of its functioning?

A more formal and detailed way of asking how something works.

FAQs

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

Use "in what function" to inquire about the specific role or operation of something within a defined context. For example, "In what function does this component contribute to the overall system performance?"

What's a simpler way to ask the same thing as "in what function"?

You can often replace "in what function" with simpler alternatives like "what is the function" or "what role does it serve" depending on the specific emphasis you want to convey.

Is "in what function" considered formal or informal language?

"In what function" leans towards formal usage, especially in technical or academic contexts. For more casual settings, alternatives like "what is it used for" may be more appropriate.

Are there contexts where "in what function" is preferable over other similar phrases?

"In what function" is useful when you need to precisely define the scope or system within which the function operates. It provides a framework for understanding the role within a specific context, distinguishing it from general inquiries about purpose.