function to / function as

Question

I've heard of "function as".

Example: The lotion functions as sunblock.

Is it correct to use "function to" in the following sentence?

The lotion functions to block the sun.

Or if someone can give better examples, please do so.

Thank you.

Canadian45 · Accepted Answer

Lutfi LukmanExample: The lotion functions as sunblock. "functions" is a very odd word to use there. 'The lotion is (a) sunblock.' is much more natural.

Is it correct to use "function to" in the following sentence? The lotion functions to block the sun. Again it's a very odd sentence. Say 'The lotion blocks the sun.' or the underlined sentence. Or in the appropriate context you can say '(It's)(That's) sunblock.'

Lutfi Lukman · Answer

canadian45 Lutfi LukmanExample: The lotion functions as sunblock. "functions" is a very odd word to use there. 'The lotion is (a) sunblock.' is much more natural.Is it correct to use "function to" in the following sentence? The lotion functions to block the sun. Again it's a very odd sentence. Say 'The lotion blocks the sun.' or the underlined sentence. Or in the appropriate context you can say '(It's)(That's) sunblock.'

In this case, you may say that the lotion is a sunblock, because I am using a simplified example. Please consider a more complicated example such as the following:

The lotion functions to trap the heat particles inside a lipid bilayer so that the particles do not reach the skin.

Now you can't simply say "The lotion is a sunblock" anymore, can you?

What I want to know is whether "function" can be used as a verb such as in the example above.

Canadian45 · Answer

Lutfi LukmanThe lotion ~~functions to~~ traps the heat particles inside a lipid bilayer so that the particles do not reach the skin. Now you can't simply say "The lotion is a sunblock" anymore, can you? I don't know why we can't. The "heat particles" are not reaching the skin. (I am not directly commenting on your technical correctness, although I seriously doubt it. I am just commenting on your English.)

There is no need for "functions".

Lutfi Lukman · Answer

I agree that "functions to" is not needed, but is it wrong? In scientific writing, sometimes people want to emphasise the exact function of something

Canadian45 · Answer

Lutfi LukmanI agree that "functions to" is not needed, but is it wrong? In scientific writing, sometimes people want to emphasise the exact function of something

From the point of view that 'The lotion traps the heat..'' is a better sentence, your sentence could be marked down as being less than a very good one. Also one can emphasize the 'exact function' of something without using that particular word.

function to / function as

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