that could function

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that could function" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has the potential or capability to operate or serve a purpose in a particular context. Example: "The new software update includes features that could function as a solution to the existing problems users have reported."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hezbollah doesn't want camps that could function as incubators of anti-Assad resistance.

The New Yorker

But there were witkarren on the streets for 10 years, and we proved that a system like that could function".

The Guardian

Normal-mode analysis reveals a repertoire of conformational changes that could function in signal triggering.

Structure

This new condition allows us to design technology that could function as an interface between people and the city.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He also began working on an experimental aircraft that could function as both helicopter and airplane.

The New York Times

"We ultimately want to design cells that could function in a robust fashion to make unique biofuels," says Venter.

MIT Technology Review

Mr. Trout observed that the expression not only was useful in that instance but was also a generally good direction that could function in many circumstances.

The New Yorker

When Jews were saved, it was often thanks to people who could act on behalf of a state or by institutions that could function like a state.

The Guardian

In our previous studies, heme was bound into honeybee silk to generate materials that could function as nitric oxide sensors or as recoverable heterogeneous biocatalysts.

Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry

By replacing five amino acids in DDR2 with the corresponding DDR1 residues we were able to create a DDR2 construct that could function as a collagen IV receptor.

Matrix Biology

So far, a lack of political consensus on the matter has kept the government from nurturing a national cord-blood system -- one that could function until there are enough transplants taking place to make the system self-supporting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that could function", ensure the context clearly defines the intended function or purpose. Provide enough information for the reader to understand what the subject is capable of doing.

Common error

Avoid using "that could function" without specifying the context or purpose. Ensure clarity by explicitly stating the role or operation the subject might perform, otherwise the sentence will be difficult to understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that could function" acts as a relative clause modifying a noun. It describes a quality or potential of the noun, indicating its ability to perform a specific function. As Ludwig AI points out, the examples show it applied across various domains, demonstrating versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

41%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science & Research

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that could function" is a versatile relative clause used to describe the potential or capability of something to operate or serve a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While maintaining a generally neutral to formal register, its primary function is to express possibility, making it a valuable tool for conveying potential outcomes and capacities. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the intended function or purpose for a successful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that might operate

Replaces "could" with "might", suggesting a slightly lower probability or possibility.

that may work

Substitutes "function" with "work", focusing on the effectiveness or operational success of something.

that can serve

Emphasizes the ability to provide a service or fulfill a role.

that is capable of operating

Rephrases to highlight the inherent capability or capacity to operate.

that has the potential to perform

Focuses on the undeveloped ability to execute or carry out a specific task.

that is designed to operate

Highlights the intended design for operational purposes.

that is able to fulfill its purpose

Focuses on achieving the intended goal or objective.

that is suitable for working

Emphasizes appropriateness and readiness for operational tasks.

that promises to function

Highlights an expectation or indication of future functionality.

that is equipped to perform

Focuses on the readiness or preparation to execute a task.

FAQs

How do I use "that could function" in a sentence?

Use "that could function" to describe something with the potential or capability to operate in a specific way. For instance, "The software includes a feature "that could function" as a solution to user problems."

What are some alternatives to "that could function"?

You can use alternatives such as "that might operate", "that may work", or "that can serve" depending on the context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "that would function" instead of "that could function"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they imply different meanings. "That could function" suggests a possibility, while "that would function" implies a higher degree of certainty or a conditional scenario.

What is the difference between "that could function" and "that is functioning"?

"That could function" describes a potential or future ability, whereas "that is functioning" describes something that is currently operating or working.