are served

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are served" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where food or drinks are being provided to someone, often in a passive construction. Example: "At the restaurant, meals are served with a complimentary drink."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Warm pierogies are served.

The New York Times

Salted caramels are served.

The New York Times - Magazine

Only two entrees are served.

The New York Times - Sports

Others are served by volunteers.

The New York Times

Beer and wine are served.

The New York Times

Sides are served in polystyrene.

The New York Times

Lunch buffets are served upstairs.

The New York Times

Several desserts are served.

The New York Times

Afterward, drinks are served.

The Guardian - Books

Chicken nuggets are served.

The New Yorker

Teas are served.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing services, ensure clarity by specifying who or what is being served. For example, instead of just saying "Meals are served", clarify with "Meals are served to guests".

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear who or what is performing the action, even in passive constructions. Overuse of the passive voice with phrases like "are served" can sometimes lead to ambiguity. Sometimes active voice avoids ambiguity and makes the sentence clearer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are served" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject receives the action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts, primarily to describe the act of providing something, such as food or services.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

14%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are served" is a common and grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to indicate that something is provided or offered. As noted by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts but is also prevalent in academic writing and encyclopedic entries. When using "are served", clarity is key: specify who or what is being served to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "are provided" or "are offered" can be used, "are served" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various registers. Remember to use the plural verb "are" with plural subjects like "meals" or "drinks".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are provided

Replaces 'served' with a more general term for offering or supplying something.

are offered

Similar to 'provided', but implies a choice or invitation.

are given

A simple and direct alternative to 'are served'.

are supplied

Emphasizes the act of providing something that is needed.

are presented

Suggests a formal or ceremonial delivery.

are furnished

Implies the provision of something necessary or useful.

are catered

Specific to food or service being provided.

are dispensed

Suggests a controlled or measured distribution.

are distributed

Focuses on the action of spreading or scattering something.

are accommodated

Suggests that something is being provided to meet a need or request.

FAQs

How can I use "are served" in a sentence?

The phrase "are served" indicates that something is being provided or offered. For example, "Breakfast and dinner "are served" daily at the hotel."

What are some alternatives to "are served"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are provided", "are offered", or "are presented".

Is it better to use active or passive voice when using phrases like "are served"?

While "are served" is grammatically correct in passive voice, consider using active voice for clarity. For instance, instead of "Meals are served", you could say "The restaurant serves meals."

Which is correct, "meals are served" or "meals is served"?

"Meals are served" is correct because "meals" is plural, requiring the plural form of the verb "to be". The phrase "meals is served" is grammatically incorrect.