serious function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious function" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in situations where you want to refer to a task or role that is of great importance. For example, "This task is essential to the company's success, so it carries a serious function."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But there was a perception that you couldn't fulfil a serious function if you were wearing a Santa hat".

The Guardian

When I heard about Louis Smith being banned from gymnastics for two months for mocking Muslim prayer I thought of Toni Morrison, who once said that "the very serious function of racism is distraction".

The Guardian - Opinion

Although most punters may still regard them as casinos, they are serving a serious function: in the past few years the majority of listed companies in Hungary and Poland have been able to raise extra capital.For all their growth and activity, the exchanges remain tiny (see chart 4), raising doubts about their liquidity in the longer run.

The Economist

These types of antennas can be used in household staples like DVD players or cable boxes, or serve a more serious function in military or government roles.

TechCrunch

The function, the very serious function of racism is distraction.

Huffington Post

But in the model, zombies serve a deadly serious function: to simulate how quickly a virus could wipe out the planet.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"In modern Labor politics, any serious, functioning nostalgia for the old is essentially, and rightly, gone.

The Guardian

The outfits must match perfectly with the event -- not too showy for those serious functions, not too plain for those meant to dazzle.

The New York Times - Style

Accumulation and misincorporation of oxidative damaged 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine triphosphates (8-oxo-dGTP) in genomic DNA may cause serious cellular function disorders.

Analytica Chimica Acta

An innocent obsession with the degrees of undress at a serious literary function, is that all it takes to be considered sassy?

The New York Times

It's a whole lot of controversy for an event that was widely considered celebrity-studded Kabuki theater rather than a serious Beltway function.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serious function", ensure the context clearly establishes the importance or criticality of the function being described. Avoid using it for trivial or unimportant tasks.

Common error

Avoid using "serious function" when describing routine or administrative tasks. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious function" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "serious" modifies the noun "function". It describes a function that is of great importance, significance, or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious function" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the importance of a task, role, or process. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys the criticality of the function being described. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure the context aligns with the gravity implied, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives like "significant role" or "critical task" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant role

Emphasizes the importance of the role being played.

critical task

Highlights the essential nature of the task.

vital purpose

Stresses the indispensable nature of the purpose.

essential duty

Focuses on the obligatory aspect of the duty.

important responsibility

Underscores the gravity of the responsibility.

key objective

Highlights the importance of the objective.

crucial operation

Emphasizes the decisive nature of the operation.

major undertaking

Highlights the scale and importance of the undertaking.

substantial activity

Emphasizes the considerable nature of the activity.

weighty affair

Stresses the seriousness and importance of the matter.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious function" to describe a task or role that is essential or critical. For example: "The regulatory body serves a "serious function" in ensuring market stability".

What are some alternatives to "serious function"?

Alternatives include "significant role", "critical task", or "vital purpose", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "serious function" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "serious function" is generally more suited to formal or professional contexts. In informal writing, consider using simpler alternatives that convey a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "serious function" and "important function"?

"Serious function" typically implies a greater degree of criticality or consequence than "important function". A "serious function" often suggests that failure to perform the function adequately could have significant negative repercussions.