not a function of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not a function of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in mathematical, scientific, or analytical contexts to indicate that one variable does not depend on another. Example: "In this study, we found that the outcome is not a function of the initial conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not a function of manufacturing.

The New York Times

That's not a function of standing for a song.

The New York Times

This is not a function of any other art.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In other words, mastery is not a function of I.Q.

The New York Times

"That's not a function of American politics, but a reality imposed by geography".

The New York Times

You don't get start-to-finish enchantment, but that's not a function of insufficient coddling.

The New York Times - Food

The shift is not a function of socioeconomic background; the attitude change occurred across demographics.

The New Yorker

Climate is not a function of one sole metric; it is not a single story.

The Guardian - Opinion

So the firing, again, you say where it fires, that is not a function of experience.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But now, I grant you that the force is not a function of velocity.

Yale University

"It's a function of design, not a function of size," she said.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not a function of", ensure clarity about what factors do influence the outcome, providing a more complete understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "not a function of" when there is a weak correlation, not necessarily a complete absence of influence. Acknowledge partial influences where they exist, and be careful to use a different wording.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a function of" serves to negate a relationship of dependence between two variables or concepts. Ludwig's examples show its application in indicating what something does not depend on, as affirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not a function of" is a grammatically sound construction used to express the absence of dependence between two entities, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. This phrase frequently appears in scientific, academic, and news contexts to clarify which factors do not influence specific outcomes. While alternatives like "independent of" exist, "not a function of" is particularly suited for technical discussions. When employing this phrase, prioritize clarity about the influencing factors, rather than only focusing on what is not influential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

independent of

Indicates a complete lack of dependence; stresses autonomy more strongly.

not dependent on

A direct synonym, emphasizing the absence of reliance.

unrelated to

Suggests no connection or association exists.

not determined by

Focuses on the absence of a causal relationship.

does not rely on

Emphasizes the lack of reliance or dependence.

irrelevant to

Implies something is not pertinent or applicable.

not influenced by

Highlights a lack of impact or effect.

not a consequence of

Focuses on the absence of a cause-and-effect relationship.

bears no relation to

A more formal way to state there is no connection.

not attributable to

Indicates that something cannot be assigned or credited to something else.

FAQs

How can I use "not a function of" in a sentence?

Use "not a function of" to indicate that one variable or factor does not depend on another. For instance, "Success is "not a function of" talent alone; it also requires hard work".

What are some alternatives to saying "not a function of"?

You can use alternatives such as "independent of", "unrelated to", or "not dependent on" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "independent of" or "not a function of"?

Both phrases can be used to express independence, but "not a function of" is often used in technical or mathematical contexts, while "independent of" is suitable for general use.

What's the difference between "not a function of" and "not related to"?

"Not a function of" implies no direct mathematical or logical dependence, whereas "not related to" suggests a broader lack of connection or association.