that function as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that function as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that serves a particular role or purpose in a sentence. Example: "The tools that function as essential components of the project must be carefully selected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

When those talks fell through, the rowing association assumed that function, as well.

The New York Times

He can serve that function as well as the C.E.O.

The New York Times

"The idea is to create craniums that function as jaws," he said.

The New Yorker

In the intervening five chapters Iyer travels, and finds places that function as metaphors.

The New York Times - Books

Fish in the farms grow in anchored underwater cages that function as feedlots.

The New York Times - Science

Gormley's contribution is much quirkier: a pair of life-size silicon dummies that function as rough doubles of the dancers.

The Guardian

Nikki Johnson, a Simmons resident, leads me into one of the crevasses that function as student lounges.

The New York Times - Magazine

Watch the living flowers become an orchestra, complete with trumpeting heads and pistils that function as a string section.

The New York Times

A few years ago, we discovered a group of cells that function as a specific itch receptor.

The New Yorker

Even small towns have businesses that function as brothels -- nominally beauty salons, massage parlors or karaoke bars.

The New York Times

Mr. Stella, Mr. Goldberger writes, wants to make "special structures" that function as "exclamation points within the urban fabric".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that function as", ensure the noun following 'as' clearly defines the role or purpose being described. For example, 'cells that function as receptors' is clearer than 'cells that function as things'.

Common error

Avoid embedding multiple clauses within sentences using "that function as". Break down complex sentences for better readability. Instead of 'The complex mechanisms that function as regulators of cell growth and that also respond to external stimuli are crucial', try 'The mechanisms regulate cell growth. They also respond to external stimuli and function as regulators'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that function as" typically introduces a relative clause that modifies a noun, specifying its role or purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Examples from Ludwig show it describing various entities like "cells", "habitats", or "proteins" defining their actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

46%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that function as" is a grammatically sound and frequently used relative clause, primarily employed to define the role or purpose of a noun. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread application across diverse fields. As evidenced by various examples from Ludwig, it's commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, ensure the noun following "as" accurately describes the role and avoid overly complex sentence structures. Alternative phrases like "that serve as" or "that act as" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that operate as

Focuses on the operational aspect rather than the inherent function.

that serve as

Emphasizes the service or purpose provided.

that act as

Highlights the action or behavior performed.

that work as

Indicates the effectiveness or suitability for a specific purpose.

that perform like

Compares the behavior to a known function or role.

that behave like

Focuses on the manner of action or conduct.

that are utilized as

Highlights the purposeful use of something.

that are employed as

Similar to 'utilized' but with a slightly more formal tone.

that fulfill the role of

More verbose but emphasizes the responsibility or duty.

that take on the function of

Emphasizes assuming a specific role or purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "that function as" in a sentence?

Use "that function as" to describe something's role or purpose. For example, "The software tools "that function as" firewalls protect the network".

What are some alternatives to "that function as"?

You can use phrases like "that serve as", "that act as", or "that operate as" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "that function like" instead of "that function as"?

While "that function like" can be understood, ""that function as"" is generally more precise and grammatically preferred, especially in formal writing.

What's the difference between "that function as" and "that serves as"?

"That function as" emphasizes the inherent role or operation, while "that serves as" highlights the provision of a service or purpose. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.