take on the function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take on the function" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the assumption of a role or responsibility in a particular context, such as a job or task. Example: "In the absence of the manager, I will take on the function of overseeing the project until they return."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He also suggested that a mechanism (how a thing is done) can take on the function of a drive (the motive force for doing it).

Encyclopedia Britannica

都 to 1, when followed by the deontic modal 著 tioh 8 'should', may take on the function of the maximality operator, as in 22 with the quantifier noun phrase, or involve the comparison of two loci in a scale, as in 23.

Lingua Sinica

Mary Roach has such a fabulous overview that I would have enjoyed knowing her take on the function of orgasm.

Huffington Post

We take on the function of caring for animals other people don't want or can't care for.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

A1 Two federal appellate judges in a case involving nude models who gathered in a street for a photograph complained that a "relentless onslaught" of litigation over limits on political demonstrations and artistic events had forced courts to take on the functions of city government.

The New York Times

The measures, which will only apply to England, will enable PCCs to take on the functions and duties of fire and rescue authorities in their area and potentially create a single employer for police and fire personnel "where a local case is made".

The Guardian

For example, other receptor subunits could become more abundant and take on the functions of the missing subunit.

Alcohol research : current reviews

Nevertheless, when we use bigrams, the stop words take on the role of "function words"; as so, we opted to count the stop words.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Because the two paralogs were expected to be functionally identical under Ohno's model [ 14], either copy could take on the role of maintaining the ancestral function, freeing the other redundant copy to embark on a novel evolutionary trajectory [ 1].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

In a damaged brain you find some areas taking on the functions of other areas.

The Guardian

If America, militarily unchallenged and economically dominant, indeed took on the functions of imperial governance, its empire was, for the most part, loose and consensual.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take on the function" to clearly indicate when something or someone is assuming a specific role or duty. It's particularly useful when describing a shift in responsibility or purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "take on the function" interchangeably with phrases like "perform a function" or "have a function". "Take on the function" implies assuming a role, while the others describe the action itself or possessing a quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take on the function" primarily acts as a verb phrase indicating the assumption of a specific role, duty, or capability. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use across varied contexts, highlighting its adaptability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take on the function" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe the act of assuming a new role or responsibility. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility across varied contexts. It is most commonly found in Science, News & Media and Encyclopedias sources. While relatively uncommon, using this phrase effectively communicates a shift in duties or purpose. When writing, remember that this indicates to take responsibility for something and not to simply perform something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume the role

Focuses on formally accepting a specific position or duty.

undertake the responsibility

Emphasizes the commitment and accountability associated with the task.

shoulder the responsibility

Highlights bearing the weight or burden of a particular duty.

embrace the task

Suggests a willing and enthusiastic acceptance of the work.

take over the duties

Implies replacing someone else in performing specific tasks.

step into the role

Conveys the idea of transitioning into a new position or function.

adopt the function

Highlights formally start using something.

begin the function

Highlights formally start using something.

initiate the function

Highlights formally start using something.

act in the capacity of

Specifies performing duties in a certain professional context.

FAQs

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

You can use "take on the function" to describe something assuming a new duty or role. For example, "The department will "take on the responsibility" of managing the project".

What can I say instead of "take on the function"?

You can use alternatives like "assume the role", "undertake the responsibility", or "step into the role" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "takes on the function"?

Yes, "takes on the function" is grammatically correct when referring to a singular subject. For example, "The new software takes on the function of data analysis".

What's the difference between "take on the function" and "perform the function"?

"Take on the function" implies assuming a role or responsibility, whereas "perform the function" refers to carrying out a specific task or action. For example, the new employee might "take on the duty" of quality control, and then "perform the function" of inspecting products.