November 6, 2014 – Word of the Day:  function

Use the word "function" when describing how or why something works.

• This computer doesn’t function very well. (It doesn’t work very well.)
• How does this function?
• It that old TV still functioning?
• Eva doesn’t function very well under pressure.
• Sergey is functioning as both the producer and director of the movie.

How does this function?

The word "function" also functions as a noun:

• The function of the teacher in the classroom is to help students learn.
• What’s the function of the heart within the body?
• Oswaldo doesn’t understand his function within the company.
• The gala we’re attending is a huge social function that raises a lot of money. (function = gathering of people for a purpose)
• What’s the function of the word "him" in this sentence?: We gave him a ride home. (Answer: It’s the indirect object of the verb.)
• How does that word function in the sentence?

The word "functional" is an adjective:

• This computer is no longer functional. (It’s no longer working.)
• Functional medicine attempts to identify the root causes of a health problem.

Click here to learn more words.