serves the function of

USAGE SUMMARY

'serves the function of' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It should be used to indicate that something is fulfilling the purpose of something else. For example, "The new fencing serves the function of keeping the sheep in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

Although the Internet serves the function of correcting errors, some assertions that end up on the Web go uncorrected and become the final word.

The New Yorker

The universal availability of free retraining, and the wide variety of opportunities to contribute have meant that the basic income genuinely serves the function of a "safety net".

The Guardian

Gills have been lost in the scaphopods, so the mantle tissue not only produces the shell, but also serves the function of gills in obtaining oxygen from seawater.

University of California, Berkeley

How exactly should the margin of appreciation be demarcated, insofar as it serves the function of balancing the two opposing interests at stake here?

Columbia University

When Bianca realizes that she serves the function of being an approachable access point to her two hotter friends, she rebels, blocks them on Instagram and sets about creating a new persona.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Because their council serves the functions of both a district and a county, they have a status similar to that of a unitary authority.

Britannica

He describes it not as an instrument of thought but as an ornamentation, an adornment that at best serves the functions of clarity and vividness.

Britannica

The amoeba behaves as though it had a nervous system, however, because the general responsiveness of its cytoplasm serves the functions of a nervous system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Endler 1983, 173 190) We may refer to this pattern of coloration as a complex adaptation that serves the functions of predator avoidance and mate attraction.

SEP

It also serves the functions of improving analysis and clarifying exposition.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serves the function of" when you want to clearly articulate the specific purpose or role something plays in a system or process. Be precise in defining the function.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "serves the function of" in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "acts as", "fulfills the role of", or "is used for" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serves the function of" acts as a verbal phrase introducing a description of purpose or role. As Ludwig AI confirms, it clarifies what something is designed or intended to do. Examples show its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

20%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serves the function of" is a versatile phrase used to articulate the role or purpose of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It is common across diverse fields, including science, news, and academia, signaling its adaptability. While authoritative sources employ this phrase effectively, varying your language with synonyms like "acts as" or "fulfills the role of" can help you avoid monotony in writing. Remember to define the function precisely for clarity. Ludwig's examples provide a strong understanding of how this phrase can be integrated into sentences effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fulfills the role of

Replaces "function" with "role", emphasizing the part something plays.

performs the function of

Substitutes "serves" with "performs", highlighting the action.

provides the function of

Emphasizes the provision or supply of a function.

acts as

Simplifies the phrase to a more direct statement of purpose.

has the purpose of

Rephrases to emphasize the objective or aim.

is used for

Focuses on the intended use or application of something.

works as

Similar to "acts as", but implies a working relationship.

is designed to

Emphasizes the intentional design behind the function.

is intended to

Highlights the intended purpose or goal.

operates as

Suggests a specific mode of operation or mechanism.

FAQs

How can I use "serves the function of" in a sentence?

You can use "serves the function of" to describe the purpose or role of something. For example, "The new software "serves the function of" automating data entry".

What are some alternatives to "serves the function of"?

Some alternatives include "acts as", "fulfills the role of", or "is used for", depending on the specific context.

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

"Serves the function of" is more formal and emphasizes purpose. "Functions as" is more concise and describes how something operates. The best choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What is the difference between "serves the function of" and "is responsible for"?

"Serves the function of" describes the purpose or role, while "is responsible for" indicates accountability for a task or outcome. For instance, "The department "serves the function of" data analysis", but "The analyst "is responsible for" generating reports".