one of the key functions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one of the key functions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing important roles or responsibilities within a system, organization, or process. Example: "One of the key functions of a manager is to motivate and guide their team towards achieving goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

In a Point of View programme on BBC Radio 4, Professor Mary Beard argued that one of the key functions of a university education is to push students beyond their immediate comfort zone in terms of learning.

The Guardian

One of the key functions of the ADB is to advise African governments on their economic policies.

BBC

One of the key functions of caffeine in the plants that produce it is allelopathy – the ability to reduce competition from surrounding species by suppressing their growth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As generations of past students retain their flats, they negate one of the key functions of the private rented sector, to provide accessible short-term housing to highly mobile sections of the population.

The Guardian

Lionel Trilling described Riesman's study as "one of the most important books about America published in recent times", and there was a widespread feeling that sociology had taken over one of the key functions of fiction.

The Guardian - Film

Since one of the key functions of GB is osmoregulation, it could help to maintain the osmotic equilibrium of cells.

Botanical Studies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Many players influence or have the potential to influence changes in the workforce, given that they control or influence one or several of the key functions cited above [ 40].

Human Resources for Health

One of the two key functions of the ovary is the secretion of steroid hormones that prepare the reproductive tract for fertilization and the establishment of pregnancy.

Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics

One of the key PP2A functions is to maintain genome stability and regulate the chromosome segregation process during cell division (Funabiki and Wynne, 2013; Wurzenberger and Gerlich, 2011).

Protein & Cell

In T2DM, one of the key liver functions, the postprandial insulin-mediated uptake of glucose, is impaired [ 2].

BMC Genomics

"After establishing a new structure for the party last month, this move physically brings together the key functions of the party into one office".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "one of the key functions", ensure that you clearly define the subject or entity to which the function belongs to provide context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "one of the key functions" without specifying why the function is key. Provide enough detail to highlight its importance and impact within the given context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one of the key functions" serves as a subject complement, identifying and emphasizing a particularly important role or purpose within a larger set of functions. It helps to specify an essential aspect of something, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "one of the key functions" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to highlight an important role or responsibility within a larger set of functions, as stated by Ludwig. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, with notable presence in formal business settings, this phrase emphasizes the significance of a particular function. Ludwig’s analysis indicates that while the phrase itself is straightforward, context is essential; clearly specifying why a function is key is crucial for clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "a central function" or "an essential role" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central function

This alternative uses "central" instead of "key", emphasizing the importance of the function.

an essential role

This alternative uses "role" instead of "function", suggesting a part played in a process.

a core responsibility

This alternative replaces "function" with "responsibility", shifting the focus to obligations.

a vital aspect

This alternative emphasizes the importance of the function as a part of a whole.

a primary task

This alternative substitutes "function" with "task", emphasizing a specific action to be completed.

a critical component

This alternative focuses on the function as a necessary part of a larger system.

a major purpose

This alternative focuses on the intended outcome or goal of the function.

a fundamental duty

This alternative uses "duty" to highlight an obligation that is fundamental.

a significant element

This alternative highlights the function as an important factor in a process.

a principal objective

This alternative uses "objective" to emphasize the goal that the function aims to achieve.

FAQs

How can I use "one of the key functions" in a sentence?

You can use "one of the key functions" to highlight an important role or responsibility. For instance, "One of the key functions of the heart is to pump blood throughout the body."

What are some alternatives to saying "one of the key functions"?

You can use alternatives like "a central function", "an essential role", or "a core responsibility" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a key function" or "one of the key functions"?

Use "a key function" when discussing the single, most important function. Use "one of the key functions" when discussing one among several important functions.

How does "one of the key functions" differ from "a main function"?

"A main function" implies a primary or principal function, while "one of the key functions" suggests that there are multiple functions of similar importance. They're interchangeable but depend on the context.