I served with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I served with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to your experience working alongside someone, typically in a military or professional context. Example: "During my time in the army, I served with many brave individuals who inspired me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I served with him.

The New York Times

I served with Scott Fitzgerald".

The Guardian - Books

"I served with them in Congress".

The New York Times - Magazine

I served with a few Indians.

The New Yorker

ROMNEY: I served with Jack Kennedy.

The New Yorker

He reminded me after I served with the Marines.

The New York Times

"Now, he's different than the McCain I served with".

The New York Times

"All the dads I served with missed their children terribly.

The New York Times

There was a coup against him … I served with him.

The New Yorker

Some of the friends I served with never came home.

The New York Times

I served with Senator Ashcroft in the Senate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and choose a synonym if "I served with" might be misinterpreted (e.g., in a context where 'served' could mean food service).

Common error

Avoid using "I served with" in contexts where 'served' could be understood as providing a service (like waiting tables). Clarify the context to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I served with" functions as a declarative statement indicating a past shared experience, often within a structured organization or service, as evidenced by Ludwig AI. The context typically implies a professional or military setting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I served with" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate a shared experience, particularly in military or professional contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively establishes credibility or shared history. While versatile, context is important to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "I worked alongside" or "I collaborated with" may be more appropriate in non-military scenarios. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, confirming its neutral to professional register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was deployed with

Similar to "stationed with", this highlights a shared deployment experience, typical in military usage.

I was stationed with

This is specific to military contexts, indicating a shared location or assignment.

I belonged to the same unit as

This option stresses unit affiliation and common organizational membership.

I shared duty with

Highlights shared responsibilities and tasks, typically in military or service-oriented roles.

I worked alongside

This alternative emphasizes a collaborative work environment, shifting the focus from military service to general cooperation.

I was in the same company as

Like 'I belonged to the same unit as', this indicates a shared company affiliation but is more general.

I collaborated with

This option highlights joint effort and teamwork, applicable in diverse professional contexts.

I teamed up with

Suggests a collaborative partnership, emphasizing shared goals and cooperative effort.

I was associated with

This phrase denotes a connection or affiliation, implying a broader relationship than direct service.

I was a colleague of

This indicates a professional relationship, suggesting a shared workplace or profession.

FAQs

What does "I served with" mean?

The phrase "I served with" typically means you worked or were in the military alongside someone. It implies a shared experience in a structured environment, such as the armed forces or a specific organization.

What can I say instead of "I served with"?

You can use alternatives like "I worked alongside", "I collaborated with", or "I was stationed with" depending on the specific context.

Is "I served with him" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I served with him" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

Can "I served with" be used in non-military contexts?

While often used in military contexts, "I served with" can also apply to professional settings to indicate shared experiences. However, phrases like "I worked with" or "I collaborated with" may be more appropriate to avoid ambiguity.