this functions as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this functions as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the role or purpose of something in a specific context. Example: "In this experiment, the catalyst functions as a means to accelerate the chemical reaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

On the one hand, this functions as a large-print supplement to the series.

The New York Times

Writing like this functions as code: it signals that we should be content to suspend actual human complexity in favor of novelistic dispatch.

The New Yorker

As he puts it: "If a school like this does well, why shouldn't any school do well?" A school like this functions as a sounding board for his ideas.

The Guardian

This functions as an opt-in social marketing stream right in people's feeds.

TechCrunch

This functions as an incubator, bringing together creatives, developers and investors.

BBC

In effect, this functions as a large tax cut for consumers and firms financed by overseas producers.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

No doubt, fighting in some groups of mammals also serves this function as well as others.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No outside entity will ever perform this function as well as we ought to be able to within the academy.

Huffington Post

Thus, TRPV4 can be linked to osmoreception in MCs; however, other ion channels probably assume this function as well.

Plosone

In the absence of a committee, Board Members can provide this function as well.

WikiHow

We have also implemented this for molecular functions as well.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this functions as", ensure the subject and the function are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "This tool functions as a lever" is more precise than "This functions as a lever."

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "this functions as" can make writing sound stiff. Consider using more concise alternatives like "this serves as" or "this acts as" for a smoother flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this functions as" serves as a connector, linking a subject with its role or purpose. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct, indicating its role in establishing equivalence between the subject and its function. It is used to define or explain the role something has.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

41%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this functions as" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to define a role or purpose, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news, media and scientific contexts, it presents a relatively neutral to formal tone. If aiming for a more casual tone, consider leveraging simpler alternatives such as "this acts as" or "this serves as". When using this expression, ensure clarity between the subject and the function to avoid ambiguity. Overusing it can result in a stiff tone, so vary your sentence structure when possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this serves as

Replaces "functions" with "serves", maintaining the same meaning but offering a slightly different word choice.

this acts as

Substitutes "functions" with "acts", providing a more direct and active connotation.

this operates as

Replaces "functions" with "operates", suggesting a more mechanical or systemic role.

this works as

Uses "works" instead of "functions", offering a simpler and more informal alternative.

this fulfills the role of

Expands the phrase to more explicitly state the idea of fulfilling a specific role.

this is used as

Focuses on the utility of something. Replacing "functions" to emphasize the purpose or reason of use of the entity.

this has the function of

Rephrases to highlight the inherent function or purpose of something.

this provides the function of

Emphasizes the provision of a function, suggesting a contribution or offering.

this is designed to function as

Specifies that something was intentionally created with a particular function in mind.

this is equivalent to

Indicates that something is essentially the same as something else in terms of function.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this functions as" in a sentence?

You can replace "this functions as" with alternatives such as "this serves as", "this acts as", or "this operates as" depending on the context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to use "this functions as" in formal writing?

Yes, "this functions as" is grammatically correct, but it can sometimes sound overly formal. Consider using simpler alternatives like "this works as" or rephrasing the sentence for a more natural tone.

What is the difference between "this functions as" and "this is used as"?

"This functions as" describes the inherent role or purpose of something, while "this is used as" emphasizes the action of using something for a specific purpose. The former is about intrinsic function, the latter is about application.

Can I use "this functions as" to describe an abstract concept?

Yes, "this functions as" can be used to describe both concrete objects and abstract concepts. For example, "This theory functions as a framework for understanding social behavior" is perfectly acceptable.