“起缓冲作用”常见的英文表达有 “act as a buffer” 、“serve as a buffer” 或 “function as a buffer” 。
act as a buffer：强调发挥缓冲的功能或作用。例如：The forest acts as a natural buffer against strong winds.（这片森林起到了抵御强风的天然缓冲作用。 ）
serve as a buffer：侧重于说明某物起到缓冲的用途。例如：The savings account serves as a buffer in case of unexpected expenses.（这个储蓄账户在遇到意外开支时能起到缓冲作用。 ）
function as a buffer：突出某物具备缓冲的功能属性。例如：This new material functions as a buffer to reduce vibration.（这种新材料起到缓冲作用，可减少振动。 ）