serve the function

USAGE SUMMARY

"serve the function" is correct and usable in written English.
You typically use the phrase to explain how something works. For example, "The small weight attached to the end of the lever serves the function of keeping the structure balanced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"The helmets serve the function of an air bag".

The New York Times

What materials can serve the function of the tree's xylem, phloem, and cambium?

The New York Times

Surely, indulging his claims does not serve the function of assuring that state courts properly apply governing constitutional standards.

Cornell University

Sclerenchyma, any of various kinds of hard, woody cells that serve the function of support in plants.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although roughly 30 cloth diapers serve the function of 4,000 disposables, cloth's water demands are almost nine times the alternative.

The Washington Post

Air and hydronic flows in particular also serve the function of disposition of exhaust air or liquid waste.

The ASHRAE GreenGuide The Design, Construction, and Operation of Sustainable Buildings

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

(Back then, arrangements served the function that recordings do now, spreading music to a wide public).

The New Yorker

At the roofline of the base, a curving course of angled glass panels serves the function of pediment and frieze.

The New York Times

Arguing that the BBC is great value and serves the function it was set up for may be contentious.

The Guardian

He kept returning to his theme, which was that the Federal Circuit's test, properly understood, served the function of focusing the inquiry.

The New York Times

Eyes, which serve as another example, also evolved gradually and achieved very different configurations, all serving the function of seeing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serve the function", ensure the subject clearly performs the action described by the function. Clarity in connecting subject and function enhances readability.

Common error

Avoid using "serve the function" when a simpler verb like "works" or "operates" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve the function" acts as a predicate in sentences, describing the role or purpose that a subject fulfills. It highlights the action of performing a specific duty or task. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serve the function" is a versatile phrase used to describe how something fulfills a particular purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, including science, news, academia, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "fulfill the purpose" or "perform the task" exist, this phrase remains a clear and effective way to convey the role or operation of a subject. Remember to ensure subject-function clarity and avoid overuse to maintain concise and engaging writing. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica, solidifying its credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fulfill the purpose

Replaces "function" with "purpose", emphasizing intention and goal.

perform the task

Substitutes "function" with "task", highlighting a specific duty or job.

carry out the role

Uses "role" instead of "function", focusing on assigned responsibilities.

execute the duty

Emphasizes the fulfillment of an obligation or responsibility.

accomplish the aim

Focuses on achieving a specific objective or goal.

achieve the goal

Similar to "accomplish the aim", but with a slightly different nuance.

provide the utility

Highlights the usefulness or benefit provided.

offer the benefit

Focuses on the advantages or positive outcomes.

work as the mechanism

Emphasizes the operational aspect of fulfilling a function.

act as the means

Focuses on the method or instrument used to achieve a result.

FAQs

How can I use "serve the function" in a sentence?

Use "serve the function" to describe how something fulfills a specific purpose. For example, "The helmet "serves the function" of protecting the head."

What are some alternatives to "serve the function"?

Alternatives include "fulfill the purpose", "perform the task", or "carry out the role".

Is it better to say "serve the function of" or "functions as"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "functions as" is often more concise. "Serve the function of" is useful when you want to emphasize the deliberate action of fulfilling a purpose.

What is the difference between "serve the function" and "provide the function"?

"Serve the function" describes the action of fulfilling a purpose, while "provide the function" implies supplying the means for that purpose to be fulfilled.