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The function of ....

Posted by R. Berg on July 11, 2003

In Reply to: The function of .... posted by english learner on July 11, 2003

: Hello,
: Could you please help me to know the usage of the word "function"? Are these following sentences natural and grammatically correct? Could you list all the sentence patterns of the word 'function'? Another question: is it possible that the usage of some word, though not listed in the renowned dictionary, can be used in daily life? Thank you very much. Here are my sentences:
: 1. The function of this knife is to cut the fish.
: 2. The function of this knife is that the fish is cut.
: 3. The function of this knife is that it cuts the fish.

#1 is the most natural. #3 is all right. A native speaker of English wouldn't use #2.

I can't list all the ways "function" is used; there are too many. Here are a few:
-- This knife has the function of cutting fish.
-- What function does this knife have?
-- Cutting fish is the function of this knife.
-- What is the function of this machine?
-- How does this machine function? (verb)
-- The machine is not functioning well. (verb)
-- The machine is not functioning at all. (verb)

You can find many examples if you go to www.google.com and type "function" in the box.

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