major function

USAGE SUMMARY

"major function" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an extremely important role or responsibility. For example, "The major function of a teacher is to help students learn."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the contrary, generating an intelligent and focused debate is a major function of such works.

The New York Times - Books

And the major function of Oscar night is to affirm that gauzy, enchanting notion.

The New York Times - Magazine

Running these meetings seems to be a major function of the presidents & chairmen of the board of these corps.

The New Yorker

A major function of skin glands is the production of odours for sexual or social communication.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The temporal lobe in this area does not have major function," Dr. Bederson said.

The New York Times

The major function of the foot in land vertebrates is locomotion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In humans its major function is to support the pelvic viscera, especially in the female.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The major function of GISS is making forecasts about climate change.

The New Yorker

The major function of apoE is participating in cholesterol homeostasis.

Protein & Cell

And this points to the second major function of DNA.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Thus if any major function disrupts then the total soil consequently will be affected.

Environmental Systems Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the "major function" of something, be specific and avoid vague language. Clearly state the primary role or purpose to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid listing secondary or less important roles when describing the "major function". Focus on the most critical purpose to maintain a clear and concise explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major function" primarily serves as a noun phrase identifying the principal role, task, or purpose of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound, and Ludwig's examples showcase its common occurrence across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "major function" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to denote the principal role or purpose of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility is evident from its widespread use across diverse contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "primary role" and "main purpose" exist, "major function" provides a clear and direct way to emphasize the key responsibility or task at hand. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are essential to avoid ambiguity and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary role

This alternative replaces "function" with "role", emphasizing the part something plays.

main purpose

This alternative replaces "function" with "purpose", highlighting the intended outcome or goal.

principal task

This alternative replaces "function" with "task", focusing on a specific activity or duty.

key responsibility

This alternative replaces "function" with "responsibility", emphasizing accountability and obligation.

core duty

This alternative emphasizes the central obligation or requirement.

chief aim

This alternative focuses on the primary goal or objective.

essential element

This alternative highlights the critical component or aspect.

fundamental aspect

This alternative emphasizes the underlying characteristic or feature.

central feature

This alternative underlines the prominence and importance of a characteristic.

primary objective

This alternative shifts the focus to a specific target or aim.

FAQs

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

You can use "major function" to describe the primary role or purpose of something. For example, "The "major function" of the heart is to pump blood throughout the body."

What are some alternatives to "major function"?

Alternatives include "primary role", "main purpose", or "principal task", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "major function" or "important function"?

"Major function" emphasizes the primary and most significant role, while "important function" indicates a role of considerable value but not necessarily the primary one. The choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "major function" and "key feature"?

"Major function" refers to the primary purpose or role of something, while "key feature" refers to a significant characteristic or attribute. A function describes what something does, while a feature describes what something is.