noun · academic

function

/ˈfʌŋkʃən/FUNC·tion

Band 7+speakingtask2

the purpose or role of something, or what something is used for

Examples

One function of public parks is to provide green space for residents.

The function of the heart is to pump blood around the body.

In this organisation, IT functions are outsourced to an external provider.

Band 8 sentence

A key function of environmental legislation is to provide a clear framework that reduces uncertainty for investors.

Collocations

  • primary/main function
  • serve a function
  • perform a function

Word family

functional adjectivefunctionality noun

Common mistakes

function tofunction as / function of

the main role of this machine is tothe main function of this machine is to

Say it for a higher band

5role6purpose7+function

Synonyms

role

Easily confused

role

The primary function of the software is to manage data, while the manager's role is to interpret the reports.

Related words

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In Sublist 2

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