that functions as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that functions as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the role or purpose of something in a sentence, often in a technical or formal context. Example: "The enzyme that functions as a catalyst speeds up the chemical reaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just inside the front door is a hallway that functions as an elegant mudroom.

The New York Times

"Quite the contrary; we think this is a place that functions as a family destination.

The New York Times - Sports

Their answer was to create a dating site that functions as an intermediary.

The New Yorker

A receptor tyrosine kinase that functions as a heterodimerization partner with other Erbb family members.

Nature

"The wall installation is a hybrid approach that functions as both sculpture and drawing.

The New York Times - Books

Skywalker is the Drosophila homologue of TBC1d24 that functions as a RabGAP for Rab3550.

Nature

A melodic entity that functions as an element in a larger whole is called a theme.

Britannica

The digested wastewater is pressed into a product that functions as a soil amendment and fertilizer.

The Washington Post

The CFTR gene is a protein that functions as a chloride channel.

Stanford University

NAT, a human complex containing Srb polypeptides that functions as a negative regulator of activated transcription.

Harvard University

The "Muslim" has come to be a hollowed, emptied term that functions as a trigger for white anxiety.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that functions as" to clearly define the role or purpose of a specific element or component within a larger system or context. This is especially effective in technical or formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "that functions as" in simple sentences where a more direct verb would suffice. For example, instead of saying 'This room that functions as a study', consider 'This room serves as a study' or simply 'This room is a study'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that functions as" is a relative clause functioning as an adjectival modifier. It provides additional information about the noun it modifies, specifying its role or purpose. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

29%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that functions as" is a versatile relative clause used to define the role or purpose of a noun. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, especially in news, science, and academia. While generally neutral to formal, it's important to avoid overuse in simple sentences where more direct language could suffice. Alternatives like "which serves as" or "which acts as" may be suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which serves as

Replaces "functions" with "serves", emphasizing the action of providing a service or purpose.

which acts as

Substitutes "functions" with "acts", highlighting the performance of a specific role or action.

that operates as

Replaces "functions" with "operates", focusing on the method or way something works.

which works as

Uses "works" instead of "functions", providing a more informal alternative.

that is employed as

Replaces "functions" with "is employed", giving a more formal tone and emphasizing intentional use.

that is utilized as

Similar to "is employed as", but highlights the practical application of something.

that fulfills the role of

Replaces the entire phrase with a more explicit description of purpose or function.

that has the function of

Focuses on the inherent function or purpose something possesses.

that provides the function of

Emphasizes that something actively gives a certain function.

that is designed to

Shifts the focus to the intention behind something's design or purpose.

FAQs

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

Use "that functions as" to specify the role or purpose of something. For example, "The hallway "that functions as" an elegant mudroom" or "a protein "that functions as" a chloride channel".

What are some alternatives to "that functions as"?

Alternatives include "which serves as", "which acts as", or "that operates as". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "that functions as" formal or informal?

"That functions as" leans towards formal usage, often found in technical or academic writing. Simpler alternatives may be more suitable for informal contexts.

When is it best to use "that functions as" over a simpler verb?

Use "that functions as" when you want to emphasize the specific role or purpose something fulfills, especially if it's a key aspect of your explanation. Avoid it when a simpler verb like 'is' or 'acts' would be equally clear.