primary function of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary function of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce the main purpose or role of something. For example, "The primary function of the department is to develop strategic initiatives for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Holding opposites together is a primary function of classical art.

The New York Times - Arts

It does not add anything to the primary function of the device.

The Guardian - Tech

Still, the great Broadway tunesmiths knew that the primary function of melody was to service words.

The New York Times

"We still don't really know the primary function of the beard," Brooks said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Whether the primary function of these exhibitions is political, social, or artistic is never discussed.

The New Yorker

The primary function of any authority is to provide security to the people it represents.

The New Yorker

The primary function of the soldier caste is defense.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Is the primary function of biography to idealize and commemorate figures in order to provide models for emulation?

The New York Times

The dissemination of information is still regarded the primary function of police media, from serious crime reports to traffic updates.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think that's a primary function of the band, putting everything in the pot and then sculpting it together".

The Guardian - Music

Gradually, over the space of decade, the primary function of The Simpsons has been to remind you that it still exists.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primary function of", ensure that the subject you are describing has a clearly defined main purpose. Ambiguity can weaken the statement.

Common error

Avoid confusing a secondary benefit or common usage with the actual "primary function of". Consider the original design or intended purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary function of" acts as a determiner phrase introducing the main purpose or role of a noun. Ludwig's examples show it commonly precedes nouns describing objects, systems, or concepts, clarifying their core function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "primary function of" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to specify the main purpose or role of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for a wide range of contexts, from defining the function of a biological process to clarifying the purpose of a piece of technology. Given its frequent use in news, scientific literature, and encyclopedias, it holds a neutral to formal tone. When employing this phrase, it's essential to ensure that you're accurately identifying the core purpose and not a secondary or incidental one. By doing so, you maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary goal of

Very similar, but replaces 'function' with 'goal', suggesting an intended outcome.

main role of

This alternative focuses on the role rather than the function, implying a set of responsibilities or expected behavior.

chief purpose of

This highlights the intended outcome or goal, emphasizing intention over mere activity.

principal task of

This emphasizes the specific action or duty that something is designed to perform.

core responsibility of

This emphasizes the duty or obligation aspect, often used in professional contexts.

essential duty of

This highlights the necessary and indispensable nature of the task.

fundamental aim of

This focuses on the overarching goal or objective that something is meant to achieve.

basic objective of

This alternative emphasizes the foundational goal or target that something aims to accomplish.

central concern of

This focuses on the key area of focus or priority for something.

key objective of

This emphasizes the importance of a specific goal or result.

FAQs

How can I use "primary function of" in a sentence?

The phrase "primary function of" is used to describe the main purpose or role of something. For example, "The primary function of the heart is to pump blood".

What are some alternatives to "primary function of"?

You can use alternatives such as "main role of", "chief purpose of", or "principal task of" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "main primary function of"?

Yes, using both "main" and "primary" is redundant since they both indicate the most important function. It's better to stick with either "primary function of" or "main function of".

What's the difference between "primary function of" and "secondary function of"?

"Primary function of" refers to the main or most important purpose, while "secondary function of" refers to a less important or additional purpose. For example, the primary function of a car is transportation, while a secondary function could be providing shelter in an emergency.