one of the main functions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one of the main functions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a specific role or purpose among several important roles or purposes of something. Example: "One of the main functions of a smartphone is to facilitate communication through calls and messaging."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All these countries (18/18) indicated 'Review and approve all research protocols on human subjects' as one of the main functions of REC.

BMC Medical Ethics

One of the main functions of any bitters, whether labeled "aromatic" or not, is providing aroma.

The Washington Post

One of the main functions of EQAS is to assess whether laboratories perform tests competently.

Clinica Chimica Acta

"One of the main functions of officers up to the Napoleonic era was to keep soldiers from just blasting away," Mr. Oelrich said.

The New York Times

That is one of the main functions of the Security Council, and also of the meetings held throughout the year at United Nations headquarters in New York.

The New York Times

One of the main functions of the website is to provide guides that visitors can download and print out (PDF), so they can plan ahead.

The Guardian - Tech

He said: "One of the main functions of the international institutional order is precisely to legitimate the use of deadly military force by western powers".

The Guardian - Opinion

Generation of motile force is one of the main functions of the eukaryotic kinetochore during cell division.

Current Opinion in Cell Biology

We also know that one of the main functions of our lungs is to saturate the air breathed in to achieve a body temperature of 36C, and to allow the blood to flow.

The Guardian

One of the main functions of passive components in wireless phones is to filter out all radio frequencies -- including broadcast radio and television signals -- that are outside the band assigned to its system.

The New York Times - Tech

One of the main functions of the semicircular canals is to drive the vestibulo-ocular reflex, which enables the eyes to counter-rotate and maintain a steady gaze when the head turns.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "one of the main functions", ensure that the context clearly indicates that there are other functions as well. This avoids any ambiguity and provides a comprehensive understanding of the subject's roles.

Common error

Avoid using "one of the main functions" when you are actually describing the sole function. In such cases, use "the main function" or "the primary function" to accurately reflect the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one of the main functions" serves to identify a significant but not exclusive purpose or role of a subject. It's used to highlight a key aspect without implying it is the only one. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one of the main functions" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to denote a significant, but not singular, purpose or role. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across diverse contexts, including science, news media, and academia, with a neutral to formal tone. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the context implies the existence of other functions to maintain clarity. Alternatives such as "a primary function" or "a key role" can be used to express similar meanings. Therefore, it's an effective way to communicate the multi-faceted nature of various subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary function

This alternative emphasizes the importance by using "primary", implying it is a leading function.

a key role

Substituting "function" with "role" provides a slightly different perspective, focusing on the significance of the action.

a central purpose

This highlights the importance of the purpose being discussed and the idea of it being central.

an essential aspect

Focuses on the aspect being essential for a specific thing.

a core responsibility

Emphasizes the responsibilities associated with a function, shifting the focus slightly.

one of the key duties

Using 'duties' specifies that it is the task that needs to be done.

a significant task

Task underlines the idea of something that needs to be completed.

a vital operation

Emphasizing the operability and vitality of the action being described.

a fundamental element

Using "element" highlights the basic part that is necessary.

a critical task

Focuses on the task being critical for achieving a specific goal.

FAQs

How do I use "one of the main functions" in a sentence?

You can use "one of the main functions" to describe a significant purpose or role among several important functions. For example, "One of the main functions of the heart is to pump blood throughout the body."

What are some alternatives to "one of the main functions"?

You can use alternatives like "a primary function", "a key role", or "a central purpose" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "one of the main function" instead of "one of the main functions"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. You should always use the plural form "functions" because "one of" implies that there are multiple functions, and you are referring to one among them.

What is the difference between "one of the main functions" and "the main function"?

"One of the main functions" indicates that there are multiple significant functions, while "the main function" implies that there is only one primary function.