instrumental function

USAGE SUMMARY

"instrumental function" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is used to achieve a certain goal or purpose. For example, "In this experiment, the use of a microscope was an instrumental function in helping to observe the changes in cells over time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

We will then consider the instrumental function of value judgments and their experimental verification.

SEP

Nominal exposure time is 1 min. The full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the instrumental function is 0.23 nm.

Earth, Planets and Space

(b) Providing instrumental knowledge that allows policy-makers to assess and evaluate the likely consequences of each policy option (pragmatic or instrumental function).

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

The method involves the use of a liquid reference sample so that it becomes free of instrumental function influence due to effects dependent on the detection cell, the frequency dependence of the microphone response and of the involved electronics.

Measurement

Such a restriction could be valid in a variety of data compressing applications, e.g., compression and recovery of video data not degraded by noise and/or imaging system instrumental function [20].

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Critics, such as the report Taking European Knowledge Society Seriously European Commissionn 2007), claim that taking such an instrumental function compromises the potential critical and constructive function of ethics.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The Quality of Life Scale is a 21-item scale based on a semi-structured interview, which is comprised of four subscales: interpersonal relations, instrumental role functioning, intra-psychic foundations, and use of common objects and activities.

L'Encéphale

With her they make saturnine but identifiable pop; this record, slow and shimmery and entirely instrumental, functions differently.

The New York Times - Arts

These terms may be translated, in the present context, as the cognitive, the expressive, and the conative (or instrumental) functions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nor is there any hard rock or metal, as per usual; or token jazz or folk nomination; nothing that reflects the ongoing revival of fortunes in grime, a genre currently so resurgent that Stormzy can get an uncompromising freestyle rap – over XTC's underground 2012 instrumental Functions on the Low – into the top 30.

The Guardian - Music

Products undoubtedly have instrumental functions, and yet people purchase them because of what they mean, too.

Frontiers of Business Research in China

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instrumental function", ensure the context clearly defines what goal the function is serving. Specify the outcome or objective that the function helps to achieve for clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "instrumental function" in casual or informal writing. This phrase is best suited for academic, scientific, or professional contexts where a formal tone is appropriate. Use simpler terms like "useful purpose" in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instrumental function" primarily serves as a noun phrase, where "instrumental" modifies "function". It describes a function that is essential or serves as a means to achieve a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "instrumental function" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term, particularly within scientific, academic, and professional contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it describes something that serves a specific purpose in achieving a particular goal. Its formality makes it less suitable for casual conversation, but highly appropriate for formal writing. Related phrases include "useful role" or "practical purpose", offering similar but subtly different ways to express the concept. Remember to use this term when you want to emphasize the role of something as a necessary component for a specific outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

useful role

Focuses on the helpful aspect of the function, instead of its contribution to achieving a goal.

practical purpose

Emphasizes the tangible and applied nature of the function.

effective mechanism

Highlights the operational aspect of the function, portraying it as a process that yields results.

valuable contribution

Stresses the benefit or worth that the function provides.

key component

Indicates that the function is an essential part of a larger system or process.

essential element

Similar to 'key component', but with a slightly broader scope.

critical aspect

Points out that the function is vital for success or proper operation.

significant role

Highlights the importance of the function, indicating it has a major impact.

functional utility

Focuses on the usefulness of the function. It is a more formal alternative.

operational value

Highlights the instrumental value or usefulness of a function for doing operation.

FAQs

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

Use "instrumental function" to describe something that serves a specific purpose or contributes to achieving a particular goal. For example: "The microscope had an instrumental function in identifying the bacteria."

What's the difference between "instrumental function" and "useful role"?

"Instrumental function" emphasizes the role of something as a means to an end, while "useful role" simply indicates that something is helpful or beneficial.

What are some synonyms for "instrumental function"?

Synonyms include "practical purpose", "effective mechanism", or "valuable contribution", depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is "instrumental function" most appropriate?

"Instrumental function" is best suited for academic, scientific, or professional writing where a formal tone and precise language are required.