is meant to function as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is meant to function as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the intended purpose or role of something in a specific context. Example: "This tool is meant to function as a bridge between the user and the software, facilitating easier access to features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

That vision infuses the museum's entire ground floor, which is meant to function as a social mixing space.

The New York Times - Arts

Each of the four to six reports per year is meant to function as a major statement on an important issue, something that has the potential to change the conversation, through new information, new analysis, memorable expression, or, in the best cases, all three.

Columbia University

It is meant to function as an induction or education of the reader to the standpoint of purely conceptual thought from which philosophy can be done.

SEP

The system isn't designed to replace the testing and QA work developers already do, of course, but is meant to function as more of a final step that can give more insight on how the app will run when actually put into the hands of users.

TechCrunch

The agency is meant to function as a consumer product safety commission for financial products.

Huffington Post

The whole piece is meant to function as a monument to Obama "with an approach that eschews an overarching, singular quality -- something that views the presidency in its entirety".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Suggested menus are meant to function as a guide, not an eating girdle.

The New York Times

The nests of bumblebees which were meant to function as a pesticide-free control group were exposed to similar levels of neonicotinoids as those in the experimental group.

The Guardian - Opinion

No doubt these phrases are meant to function as Homeric epithets of sorts, to remind us of who these women are.

The New York Times - Books

The sons talk about the art world as if it were the only place where any of them was meant to function — as if other environments were not only too plain but also rigged against newcomers (and art, at least, was rigged for them).

The New York Times - Magazine

The Male Chorus (Michael Hendrick) and Female Chorus (Orla Boylan), who are meant to function as narrators in the manner of Greek tragedy, here become an Edwardian-era British couple who, as if preaching a cautionary tale, recount the rape of the constant wife of the Roman general Collatinus by the brutal Etruscan prince Tarquinius.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is meant to function as", ensure the sentence clearly defines what the subject is intended to do or its role within a larger system. It provides clarity of purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "is meant to function as" with an ambiguous subject. Always specify clearly what is being discussed to prevent confusion about its intended role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is meant to function as" serves as a connector, indicating the intended role or purpose of a subject. It is often used to define how something is designed or expected to operate within a specific context, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is meant to function as" is a versatile connector used to describe the intended role or purpose of a subject. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct and commonly employed in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While alternatives like "is intended to serve as" or "is designed to act as" exist, "is meant to function as" offers a specific emphasis on the functional aspect. Remember to clearly define the subject to avoid ambiguity and to enhance clarity in your writing. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication, though it leans more toward formal writing due to its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is intended to serve as

Emphasizes intention and service, slightly more formal.

is designed to act as

Highlights the design aspect and its intended action.

is purposed to operate as

Focuses on the operational purpose and its function.

is planned to work as

Stresses the planning aspect and how it will work.

is conceived as a means to

Highlights the conceptualization and its role as a means.

is created to perform the role of

Emphasizes the creation and the role it will perform.

serves the function of

Directly states the function it serves, less emphasis on intention.

has the purpose of

Simply states the purpose it holds, concise.

is used to fulfill the role of

Focuses on the usage and role fulfillment.

acts in the capacity of

Highlights the capacity in which it acts, more formal.

FAQs

How can I use "is meant to function as" in a sentence?

Use "is meant to function as" to define the intended purpose or role of something. For example, "This software "is meant to function as" a bridge between the user and the database".

What are some alternatives to "is meant to function as"?

You can use alternatives such as "is intended to serve as", "is designed to act as", or "has the purpose of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is meant to function like" instead of "is meant to function as"?

While "is meant to function like" is grammatically correct, ""is meant to function as"" is often preferred in formal writing to clearly define a role or purpose, rather than just suggesting similarity.

What is the difference between "is designed to" and "is meant to function as"?

"Is designed to" focuses on the design aspect and intention, while ""is meant to function as"" emphasizes the intended role or purpose within a system or process. They can often be used interchangeably, but the latter is more specific to functional roles.