shed light on the function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shed light on the function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to clarify or explain the purpose or role of something. Example: "The research aims to shed light on the function of the protein in cellular processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Science & Research

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

By comparing sequences that evolved from a common ancestor, we can infer their phylogenetic relationships, discover sites under functional constraint, or even shed light on the function of individual sequence elements.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

Such individuals could shed light on the function of many genes and point to new drug targets if the knocked-out gene somehow protects against disease.

Science Magazine

Studying healthy people who are missing genes could also shed light on the function of genes that aren't well understood, MacArthur and his co-authors suggest.

Science Magazine

In the longer term, experiments like these could even shed light on the function of sleep itself, says Pierre Maquet, a neurobiologist at the University of Liège in Belgium, although he cautions that what's true for sparrows won't necessarily apply to humans.

Science Magazine

Future studies are warranted to shed light on the function of the Alp-like motif (AM).

Plosone

The bulldog mutations are the first animal model to shed light on the function of Sec24D during embryonic development.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Still, the new research may shed light on the functions of emotions and their biological basis, as well as different emotional disorders, Nummenmaa said.

Huffington Post

Thus analysis on genomic structures that may affect gene expression regulation could shed light on the functions of genes.

BMC Genomics

Characterization of these gene products in fission yeast almost certainly will shed light on the functions of human proteins.

Genetics

On a different note, the developmental phenotypes seen in mice expressing N2ICD in NSCs shed light on the functions of Notch2 signaling during embryonic and adult neurogenesis.

Cell Death and Disease

We then considered whether modeling, comparative or ab initio, or domain context could shed light on the functions of these domains.

Bioinformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shed light on the function", ensure the context provides a clear subject to which the function applies. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the phrase effectively clarifies the role or purpose being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "shed light on the function" when you actually mean to describe a process or mechanism. The phrase is best suited for clarifying the purpose or role, not the how.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shed light on the function" serves as an idiomatic expression used to clarify or explain the purpose or role of something. As Ludwig suggests, it aims to make a previously unclear function more understandable, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided across different scientific and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

Science & Research

20%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shed light on the function" is a common idiomatic phrase used to clarify or explain the purpose or role of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse writing contexts, especially in scientific and research domains. While suitable for formal writing, more informal alternatives exist for casual communication. When employing this phrase, ensure that the scope of the "function" is well-defined and that the phrase accurately reflects an attempt to enhance understanding, as opposed to simply describing a process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify the function

Focuses on making the function clearer, removing ambiguity.

elucidate the role

Emphasizes clarifying the specific role or part something plays.

illuminate the purpose

Highlights making the intended goal or aim more apparent.

explain the mechanism

Concentrates on detailing the process or system by which something operates.

reveal the workings

Suggests uncovering how something actually works in practice.

demystify the operation

Implies making a complex or mysterious process easier to understand.

uncover the functionality

Focuses on discovering the range of functions something can perform.

define the objective

Emphasizes setting clear boundaries around the goal or aim.

determine the utility

Highlights assessing the usefulness or value of something.

interpret the significance

Focuses on explaining the importance or meaning of something.

FAQs

How can I use "shed light on the function" in a sentence?

Use "shed light on the function" when you want to clarify or explain the purpose or role of something. For example: "This study aims to "shed light on the function" of this specific gene during cell division."

What are some alternatives to "shed light on the function"?

You can use alternatives like "clarify the function", "elucidate the role", or "illuminate the purpose" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "shed light on the function" or "explain the function"?

While both are valid, "shed light on the function" implies a deeper understanding or clarification, suggesting that the function was previously unclear. "Explain the function" is more neutral and suitable when simply describing a function.

Can "shed light on the function" be used in informal writing?

While "shed light on the function" is suitable for formal writing, in informal contexts, consider alternatives like "explain what it does" or "help understand its role" for a more conversational tone.