principal function of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal function of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the main role or purpose of something in a formal or academic context. Example: "The principal function of the heart is to pump blood throughout the body."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This used to be the principal function of Wall Street firms other than those principally in retail brokerage.

Forbes

The principal function of the distribution system is to loosen our mutual grip on reality.

The New York Times

"Acquisition of knowledge," he says early in the book, "is a principal function of the brain".

The Guardian - Books

Both Chris and Jesse serve the principal function of wearing as many tank tops as possible and going "whooooo!" at concerts and on waterslides.

The Guardian - Film

However, the principal function of OKR is to keep gaze stationary by nulling out any involuntary motion that results from visual drift or slow head movement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Concern for prayer, as the central and principal function of monasticism, does not mean that the Eastern Christian monastic movement was of a single uniform character.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The idea that the principal function of a myth is to provide a justification for a ritual was adopted without any great attempt to make a case for it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition to granules, many plants have large numbers of specialized cells, called parenchymatous cells, the principal function of which is the storage of starch; examples of plants with these cells include root vegetables and tubers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Participation in national government is a principal function of the regions: regional councils may initiate parliamentary legislation, propose referenda, and appoint three delegates to assist in presidential elections, except for the Valle d'Aosta region, which has only one delegate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The new system existed primarily as a means of winning national elections and dividing the spoils of victory, and the principal function of the president became the distribution of government jobs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was still at it in 1991 at Hofstra's law school when he said "the principal function of the law ideally should be to curb the abuses of raw power and to clear the way for the fulfillment of the human potential".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "principal function of", ensure the subject's main purpose is clearly defined and directly relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid describing secondary or less significant actions as the "principal function of" something. Focus on its most essential role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal function of" serves as a determiner followed by a noun, functioning primarily to identify and specify the most important purpose or role of a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "principal function of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for specifying the main purpose or role of something. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and utility across various contexts. It is particularly common in scientific, academic, and encyclopedic writings, indicating a formal and precise tone. When using this phrase, ensure the described function is indeed the most essential and directly relevant to the subject. Consider alternatives like "main purpose of" or "primary role of" for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main purpose of

Focuses on the intended outcome or goal.

primary role of

Emphasizes the chief responsibility or part played.

chief function of

Highlights the top-level or most important operation.

core function of

Stresses the essential or fundamental operation.

central role of

Indicates the significance and centrality.

basic function of

Refers to the fundamental or elementary action.

key purpose of

Focuses on the crucial aim or reason.

fundamental role of

Emphasizes the foundational or underlying responsibility.

primary task of

Highlights the main duty or assignment.

main responsibility of

Focuses on the key accountability or obligation.

FAQs

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

Use "principal function of" to specify the main purpose or role of something. For example, "The "principal function of" the heart is to pump blood."

What is an alternative to the phrase "principal function of"?

Alternatives include "main purpose of", "primary role of", or "central function of". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific context.

Is it better to use "principal function of" or "main function of"?

"Principal function of" and "main function of" are largely interchangeable. "Principal" adds a slightly more formal tone, whereas "main" is more common in everyday language.

When should I use "principal" instead of "primary" in "function of"?

"Principal" implies the most important or fundamental function, while "primary" suggests the first or initial function. "Principal" is often more appropriate when describing the core purpose.