serves the same function as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serves the same function as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two items or concepts that have similar roles or purposes in a particular context. Example: "In this experiment, the control group serves the same function as the experimental group, allowing us to measure the effects of the treatment accurately."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The internal feedback generated by these easy trials serves the same function as would external feedback [2], [8], [30], [31].

Plosone

A contemplative woman lodged in the craggy landscape of "Low Tide" serves the same function as the doppelg?er figures in Friedrich paintings.

The New York Times

"In many deals, the UK effectively serves the same function as the Cayman Islands or Bermuda," said Andrew Needham, a tax partner at law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore.

Independent

It serves the same function as iridium for the hardening of platinum and, in conjunction with rhodium, is used to harden palladium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They don't need to talk to their friends about "Monk," because simply watching the show serves the same function — as sharp as its dialogue is, "Monk" is often touching beyond words.

The New Yorker

For the Kennebunkport Corleones, the Supreme Court deliberation serves the same function as the dazzling cross-cut scene in "The Godfather," when Michael attends his godchild's christening while his capos fan out to ice his rivals.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

However, it is still unclear if female-paced mating serves the same functions as it does in female rats.

Physiology & Behavior

"We serve the same function as the broadsheets," he added.

The New York Times

The central garden served the same function as the courtyard, at much larger scale.

The New York Times - Arts

Meals serve the same function as the on-board movie, Mr. Mann, the consultant, said.

The New York Times - Travel

In China, glass served the same function as jade, which was associated with perfectibility and immortality.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two different items or concepts, use "serves the same function as" to highlight their functional similarity, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "serves the same function as" when the items being compared only have superficial similarities. Ensure that the core purpose and operational outcome are genuinely equivalent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serves the same function as" functions as a comparative connector, linking two elements that share a similar role or purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and effectively communicates functional equivalence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serves the same function as" is a grammatically correct and useful comparative connector for highlighting functional equivalence between two entities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, with frequent use in scientific and news-related content. When using this phrase, ensure that the items compared genuinely share core purposes to avoid misleading comparisons. Alternatives such as "performs an equivalent role to" and "is functionally equivalent to" offer similar meanings. The phrase appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica, lending credibility to its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is functionally equivalent to

Emphasizes the functional equivalence of two things.

performs an equivalent role to

Emphasizes the action or performance of a similar role.

fulfills a parallel purpose to

Highlights the fulfillment of a similar objective or aim.

operates in a like manner to

Focuses on the similarity in the way something works or functions.

acts as a substitute for

Suggests that one thing can replace another in its function.

is analogous to

Indicates a comparison based on similarity or analogy.

is comparable to

Highlights the comparability of two things in terms of function.

mirrors the function of

Implies that one thing closely reflects the function of another.

duplicates the role of

Suggests that one thing exactly replicates the function of another.

has the same effect as

Focuses on the similar outcome or impact produced.

FAQs

How to use "serves the same function as" in a sentence?

Use "serves the same function as" to compare two entities with similar roles. For instance, "In this design, the backup generator "serves the same function as" the main power supply during outages."

What can I say instead of "serves the same function as"?

You can use alternatives like "performs an equivalent role to", "fulfills a parallel purpose to", or "is functionally equivalent to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "serves the same function as" or "has the same function as"?

Both ""serves the same function as"" and "has the same function as" are correct. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. The first implies that it is also acting or doing something, while the second is a more static equivalence.

What's the difference between "serves the same function as" and "has a similar function to"?

"Serves the same function as" indicates a direct equivalence in purpose and operation, whereas "has a similar function to" suggests that the purposes are alike but may not be completely equivalent.