real function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "real function" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in mathematics to refer to a function that maps real numbers to real numbers. Example: "In calculus, we often analyze the properties of a real function to understand its behavior on the real number line."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Where there is no real function, there is no real functional problem being studied, even conceptually.

Plosone

Still, the prize serves another real function: exposure.

The New Yorker

"Bookends are meant to perform a real function," he said.

The New York Times

"The real function of teaching is to make yourself obsolete," he said.

The New York Times

Their real function was awe and spectacle, and nothing much else.

The Guardian - Arts

I mean, I knew I had one, but I didn't know its real function.

The Guardian - Sport

Their only real function is to make the men grow up.

The New Yorker

And herein lies the real function of the American justice system, clearly revealed time and again.

The Guardian - Opinion

The group's main real function was for practice, senior sources said.

The Guardian

More important, the game made me happy; it had served a real function.

The New Yorker

The building's real function was clear in the 19 truck bays punctuating its facade.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In general usage, specify what makes the function "real" by contrasting it with potential alternatives (e.g., theoretical or symbolic).

Common error

Avoid using "real function" when a more specific mathematical term (e.g., continuous function, differentiable function) is appropriate, as "real function" is a broad category.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "real function" primarily functions as a noun phrase. In mathematical contexts, it denotes a function whose range is a subset of real numbers. In general usage, it specifies the actual or genuine purpose of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "real function" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, as verified by Ludwig AI. It primarily serves as a noun phrase with two main contexts: mathematical (denoting functions with real number ranges) and general (specifying the actual purpose or role). Usage spans across scientific publications, news media, and formal business communications. Understanding the specific context is crucial to correctly interpreting its intended meaning. Alternatives include "actual function", "genuine function", and "true function", which can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actual function

Replaces "real" with "actual", emphasizing the genuineness of the function.

genuine function

Substitutes "real" with "genuine", highlighting the authentic purpose or role.

true function

Uses "true" instead of "real", underscoring the accurate or correct role.

primary function

Focuses on the main or most important function.

essential function

Highlights the function that is necessary or vital.

practical function

Emphasizes the useful or applicable nature of the function.

effective function

Indicates a function that produces the desired result.

operative function

Focuses on the function in operation or effect.

functional role

Shifts the focus to the role fulfilled by the function.

purpose

A shorter and more direct synonym focusing on the reason for existence or action.

FAQs

How do you use "real function" in a sentence?

You can use "real function" to describe the actual role or purpose of something, as in "The "real function" of that tool is to simplify the process."

What can I say instead of "real function"?

Alternatives include "actual function", "genuine function", or "true function", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "real function" or "realistic function"?

"Real function" refers to the actual purpose or role, while "realistic function" describes something that is practical or achievable. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "real function" and "effective function"?

"Real function" refers to the actual or intended purpose, while "effective function" describes how well something fulfills its purpose. An "effective function" successfully achieves its intended real function.