meant to function as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "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: "The new software is meant to function as a tool for enhancing productivity in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

His assistant handed Mr. Arnold a sheaf of nearly blank paper meant to function as his "joke file".

The New York Times - Arts

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 gateway is mainly meant to function as a research and exploration base that can ultimately host humans, similar to the International Space Station.

The Washington Post

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

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Not surprisingly, the right wing echo chamber is demonstrating what it will act like, with its latest clueless demonstration, proving that Fox News and the Drudge Report are good at what they do -- echoing talking points and delivering messages -- but short on the goods when it comes to even getting what it means to function as a journalistic operation.

Huffington Post

Both vehicles are meant to function just as well on city streets as on crunchy trails.

Los Angeles Times

"The facts that are being employed here aren't meant to function baldly as 'facts.' The work that they're doing is more image-based than informational".

The New York Times - Magazine

With the relaunch of Cloze, the app is moving away from being an email client of sorts, and instead is meant to function more as a tool that lets you track your contacts and your interactions in a variety of ways.

TechCrunch

But it is meant to function here merely as an illustration of how different positions on the free will problem might emerge, and as an illustration of the ways that the differing positions might seek to disentangle the collection of concepts giving rise to the problem.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "meant to function as" to clearly state the intended role or purpose of something, avoiding ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "meant to function as" repeatedly in the same paragraph. Opt for synonyms or rephrasing to maintain clarity and avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meant to function as" serves as a connector indicating purpose or intended role. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It connects a subject with its intended action or utility, clarifying its design or planned use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "meant to function as" is a common and grammatically correct connector used to indicate the intended role or purpose of something. As Ludwig AI states, it is perfectly acceptable for use in written English. It finds frequent application in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While alternatives exist, such as "intended to operate as" or "designed to serve as", this phrase effectively conveys the designed or expected utility. To ensure clarity, avoid overuse and consider rephrasing in complex sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intended to operate as

Replaces 'function' with 'operate', focusing on the action of working or running.

designed to serve as

Substitutes 'meant' with 'designed' and 'function' with 'serve', emphasizing planning and purpose.

created to act as

Uses 'created' instead of 'meant' and 'act' instead of 'function', highlighting the act of taking on a role.

supposed to work as

Employs 'supposed' and 'work' instead of 'meant' and 'function', indicating an expectation of performance.

envisioned to perform as

Replaces 'meant' with 'envisioned' and 'function' with 'perform', suggesting a mental picture of execution.

built to execute as

Uses 'built' instead of 'meant' and 'execute' instead of 'function', focusing on the physical construction and carrying out of a task.

utilized to contribute as

Substitutes 'meant' with 'utilized' and 'function' with 'contribute', emphasizing the value and addition provided.

developed to fulfill the role of

Replaces the whole phrase with a more formal and elaborate structure, specifying the 'role'.

engineered to accomplish as

Replaces 'meant' with 'engineered' and 'function' with 'accomplish', pointing to a technical or skilled design.

intended for the purpose of

Uses a longer phrase to describe the intended purpose, deviating more significantly in structure.

FAQs

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

Use "meant to function as" to describe the designed or intended purpose of something. For example, "The software is "meant to function as" a project management tool."

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

You can use alternatives such as "intended to operate as", "designed to serve as", or "created to act as" depending on the context.

Is it formal or informal to use "meant to function as"?

"Meant to function as" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is generally more common in neutral to formal writing. Its suitability depends on the overall tone and audience of your writing.

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

While both phrases indicate purpose, "designed to serve as" emphasizes the intentionality and planning behind the design, whereas "meant to function as" simply indicates the intended role or operation.