it serves the function of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it serves the function of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the purpose or role of something in a specific context. Example: "In this experiment, the control group serves the function of establishing a baseline for comparison with the experimental group."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It serves the function of the evangelist.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It also serves the functions of improving analysis and clarifying exposition.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The amoeba behaves as though it had a nervous system, however, because the general responsiveness of its cytoplasm serves the functions of a nervous system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The WLP module is not energy conserving, it serves the function to reoxidize the end products of the anaerobic respiration and to provide acetyl-CoA for biomass synthesis [ 19].

BMC Genomics

It's a cautionary tale about the illusory nature of false celebrity, but it serves the double function of commenting on itself.

The Guardian - Film

"Throwing out subpoenas like candy on Halloween has not served the functioning of that committee very well," White House press secretary Josh Earnest said at his Wednesday briefing.

Huffington Post

"It serves the kind of function that railroads used to serve: masses of people efficiently being moved from place to place," says curator Morrison Heckscher.

Huffington Post

Like any myth, it served the myopic function of telling a story, regardless of the facts.

Vice

It is suggested that upregulated apoD production serves the function of transporting cholesterol and phospholipids, a remodeling process that is required for the recovery of brain injury.

Aging

It serves the same function as iridium for the hardening of platinum and, in conjunction with rhodium, is used to harden palladium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the roofline of the base, a curving course of angled glass panels serves the function of pediment and frieze.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it serves the function of" to clearly articulate the specific role or purpose of something within a system or process. For example, 'The immune system serves the function of protecting the body from disease'.

Common error

Avoid using "it serves the function of" when a simpler phrase like "it acts as" or "it functions as" would suffice. Simpler language often improves clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it serves the function of" acts as a verbal phrase that introduces and explains the purpose, role, or duty something performs. It helps clarify why something is designed or used in a specific way, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it serves the function of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that clearly articulates the specific role or purpose of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is acceptable in written English and is used to describe the purpose or role of something in a specific context. While simpler alternatives like "it acts as" or "it functions as" may be preferred for brevity, "it serves the function of" is particularly useful in formal or technical contexts where clarity and precision are paramount. Its frequent appearance in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources highlights its utility in explaining complex concepts and processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it fulfills the role of

Replaces 'function' with 'role' and 'serves' with 'fulfills', emphasizing the action of completing a purpose.

it provides the function of

Highlights that the subject gives or supplies the specified function.

it has the purpose of

Directly states the purpose, replacing 'serves the function' with 'has the purpose'.

it acts as

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct statement of purpose or role.

it operates as

Focuses on the operational aspect of the function being described.

it is intended to

Focuses on the intended use or purpose of the subject.

it is designed to

Highlights the intentional design or purpose behind the function.

it works to

Indicates that the subject actively contributes to achieving a particular function.

it aims to

Emphasizes the goal or objective that the subject is trying to achieve.

it contributes to

Shows that the subject is one part of a larger effort to achieve a specific function.

FAQs

What does "it serves the function of" mean?

The phrase "it serves the function of" means that something has a specific purpose or role. It describes what something is designed to do or what it is used for.

How can I use "it serves the function of" in a sentence?

You can use "it serves the function of" to explain the purpose of something. For example, "The endoplasmic reticulum "serves the function of" protein synthesis and transport".

What can I say instead of "it serves the function of"?

You can use alternatives like "it acts as", "it functions as", or "it fulfills the role of" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it serves the function of" and "it has the function of"?

While similar, "it serves the function of" implies that something is actively fulfilling its purpose, whereas "it has the function of" simply states that the purpose exists. The difference is subtle, but "serves" suggests active use.