its proper function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "its proper function" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the intended or appropriate role of something, often in technical or formal contexts. Example: "The device must be calibrated to ensure it operates at its proper function."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It simply puts it in proper perspective and allows it to serve its proper function -- as a guide to be followed, not an idol to be worshipped or a weapon to be wielded.

Huffington Post

On the basis of the higher concentration of K+ inside the cell, and the higher G-quadruplex binding constant for binding to K+ versus Na+, the hybrid folds are the G-quadruplex conformations that were proposed to exist in vivo for hTelo, and the folding pattern that it assumes is crucial for its proper function in the cell.

Biochemistry

There are certain foods and ingredients that work against the liver, overloading it with toxins and hindering its proper function.

WikiHow

He is more or less Assistant President, charged primarily with seeing to it that Cabinet Premier Nguyen Van Loc performs its proper function.

The New Yorker

A type 1 teleological theory might state, for example, that the content of a perceptual representation is whatever can cause it when the perceptual system is performing its proper function, or when conditions are optimal for the proper performance of its function.

SEP

However, when it becomes a dogmatic enterprise, realism fails to perform its proper function.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The organization of the eye is essential to its proper functioning and indeed to it being an eye at all (ibid., p. 769; Clarke and Collins, p. 72) It is an emergent property.

SEP

In a written opinion on the law, Poland's supreme court said it interfered with the tribunal's independence and aimed to hobble its proper functioning.

The Guardian

It is the job of the Department of Defense (DoD) to protect this network and to ensure its proper functioning.

University of California, Berkeley

To fix a broken financial system and to oversee its proper functioning in the future you need experts.

The New York Times

The cleanliness of the surface of graphene is important for its proper functioning in devices and sensors.

Carbon

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "its proper function", ensure the context clearly defines what the expected or intended function is. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming the audience knows the function you are referring to. Always provide sufficient context so that the intended meaning of "its proper function" is clear to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "its proper function" acts as a noun phrase, typically functioning as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes the intended or correct role, duty, or operation of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

18%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "its proper function" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to describe the intended or correct operation of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable. It appears frequently in scientific, news, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the expected function to avoid ambiguity. Related alternatives include "its intended role" and "its correct functioning". Remember to provide sufficient context so your audience understands exactly what the "proper function" is.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

its intended role

Replaces "function" with "role", focusing on the expected purpose.

its designed function

Emphasizes the function as it was originally planned or created.

its correct functioning

Focuses on the accuracy and operational aspect of the function.

its prescribed function

Highlights the function that has been officially set or recommended.

its optimal operation

Shifts the focus to the best possible performance of the operation.

its true purpose

Emphasizes the genuine reason for existence or action.

its specific task

Replaces "function" with "task", suggesting a more concrete and defined activity.

its essential duty

Highlights the crucial responsibility or obligation.

its designated activity

Focuses on a particular activity that has been officially assigned.

its appropriate manner

Focuses on the way something is done in the right or suitable way

FAQs

How can I use "its proper function" in a sentence?

Use "its proper function" to describe the intended or correct operation of something. For example, "The software needs regular updates to maintain "its proper function"".

What's a good alternative to "its proper function"?

Alternatives include "its intended role", "its designed function", or "its correct functioning", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "its proper function" or "its intended purpose"?

Both phrases are valid, but "its proper function" emphasizes the operational aspect, while "its intended purpose" focuses on the reason for existence. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "its proper function" imply?

The phrase implies that something has a specific, intended role or operation, and that this role should be carried out correctly. It also suggests there may be a deviation from this ideal, such as when something is not working as it should.