only a function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only a function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that serves a specific purpose or role, often in a technical or mathematical context. Example: "In programming, a method can be seen as only a function that performs a specific task without maintaining any state."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In considering the issue of functional decline, any 'clinically significant change' over time is not only a function the starting and ending levels of functional status.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

It is only a function of her power, nothing else".

The New Yorker

She has no motivation, only a function, which is get torn apart.

The Guardian

Abstaining from election participation can be a legitimate, rational decision and not only a function of apathy.

The New York Times

The gridlock isn't only a function of polarized politics and special interests.

The New York Times

Unlike other basketball improvements, shooting really is only a function of confidence and repetition.

The New York Times

Lyndon Johnson's celebrated legislative achievements were in reality only a function of the congressional election results — not his powers of persuasion.

The New Yorker

But I refuse to believe that our inability — or reluctance — to overcome corruption is only a function of history.

The New York Times

We observe that the difference is only a function of.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The requirements are only a function of the sum of the influence factors ∑qi.

Engineering Fracture Mechanics

Both enrichment and throughput are only a function of length and peripheral velocity.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For emphasis, consider placing "only a function" close to the element it modifies to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something is "only a function" of another factor, there is a direct causal relationship. Correlation does not equal causation; further analysis may be needed to establish causality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only a function" primarily functions as a qualifier, specifying that the subject's value or behavior is entirely determined by the factor mentioned. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from scientific analyses to social commentary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only a function" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something is entirely determined by a specific factor. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in scientific and formal contexts, highlighting dependency and determinacy. While generally straightforward, it's essential to avoid confusing correlation with causation when using this phrase. Consider alternative phrasing options like "solely dependent on" or "exclusively determined by" for nuanced expression. By understanding the phrase's function and register, writers can effectively incorporate "only a function" to add precision and clarity to their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solely dependent on

Emphasizes exclusive dependence on a single factor.

exclusively determined by

Highlights the single determining factor with an emphasis on exclusion of other influences.

merely contingent upon

Indicates that something is conditional and depends on a particular factor, highlighting the conditional nature.

purely a result of

Directly states that an outcome is the result of a specific element.

simply reliant on

Expresses a straightforward reliance on something.

nothing more than a product of

Indicates that something is entirely the result or outcome of a specific cause.

just a consequence of

Highlights that the thing is a result of some other fact, event etc.

wholly governed by

Expresses that something is under the power of some other element.

entirely predicated on

Indicates that something is established or based on a particular condition.

strictly a question of

Indicates that something depends exclusively on a very specific question.

FAQs

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

Use "only a function" to indicate that something depends solely on a particular factor or set of factors. For example, "The final result is "solely a function of" the initial conditions."

What are some alternatives to saying "only a function"?

You can use alternatives like "solely dependent on", "exclusively determined by", or "merely contingent upon" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "not only a function"?

Yes, saying "not only a function" is correct when you want to emphasize that something depends on multiple factors, rather than just one. It suggests there are other contributing elements to consider.

What's the difference between "only a function" and "primarily a function"?

"Only a function" indicates sole dependence, while "primarily a function" suggests that while the factor is the main influence, other factors might also play a role.