is a function of

USAGE SUMMARY

"is a function of" is a correct phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that something is determined or affected by another thing. For example, "A person's age is a function of the year they were born."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Diabetes is a function of development.

The New York Times

Boredom is a function of attention.

The New York Times

"But longevity is a function of performance".

The New York Times

Happiness is a function of fulfilment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That is a function of the market.

The New York Times

Maybe that is a function of television.

The New York Times - Sports

"Oil is a function of global growth.

The New York Times

Hope is a function of struggle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

REBECCA MEAD: Success, unfortunately, is a function of PR.

The New Yorker

This is a function of desire, but also of drunkenness.

The New Yorker

"I think this is a function of the UK.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a function of", ensure that the relationship between the two elements is clear and direct. Avoid using it in vague or ambiguous contexts.

Common error

Be cautious not to imply causation when only correlation exists. "Is a function of" suggests a direct influence, so ensure this relationship is valid and supported by evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a function of" serves as a relational expression, indicating that one entity's value or state depends on or is determined by another. This implies a mathematical or logical dependency. As shown in Ludwig examples, it's a versatile expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a function of" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote dependency or influence between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. To wield it effectively, ensure a clear and direct connection between the elements, and always confirm the accuracy of implied causal relationships. By being mindful of these practices, you can confidently and precisely express relationships of dependence in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is dependent on

This alternative emphasizes reliance or conditional existence.

is determined by

This alternative highlights a direct causal relationship.

is contingent upon

This alternative suggests a conditional relationship, where one thing depends on another occurring.

is influenced by

This alternative indicates a less direct effect, suggesting a modifying or shaping influence.

is a result of

This alternative indicates that one thing happens because of another.

is governed by

This alternative highlights the controlling aspect of the relationship.

is subject to

This alternative shows that something is susceptible to the effects of something else.

is proportional to

This alternative describes a direct relationship where change in one variable corresponds to a change in another.

is correlated with

This alternative indicates a statistical relationship, but not necessarily causation.

is predicated on

This alternative suggests that something is founded or based on something else.

FAQs

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

Use "is a function of" to indicate that one thing is determined or affected by another. For example, "Happiness "is a function of" fulfillment".

What's a more formal alternative to "is a function of"?

Consider using alternatives such as "is determined by" or "is contingent upon" for a more formal tone.

Is it correct to say "becomes a function of"?

Yes, "becomes a function of" is correct and indicates a change over time, where one thing increasingly depends on another.

What is the difference between "is a function of" and "is related to"?

"Is a function of" suggests a more direct influence, while "is related to" indicates a broader association or connection. "Is related to" does not necessarily imply that one directly affects the other.