as well as serving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as well as serving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has multiple functions or roles, often in a comparative context. Example: "The new software is designed to streamline processes, as well as serving as a communication tool for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The difference was that civilians as well as serving forces were involved.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some 40 academics as well as serving and retired officials took part.

The Economist

For the Showtime movie "Bojangles," Mr. Hines stars as Bill (Bojangles) Robinson, as well as serving as executive producer.

The New York Times

As well as serving them with spaghetti, we do a risotto using a very fine, elegant rice, superfino carnaroli.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Of course that's not possible and pension companies have the problem of managing people's expectations as well as serving them.

Independent

But her attractive three dimensional feltings would brighten any home — as well as serving as a sound absorber.

The New York Times

The skeleton forms an integral part of the fish's locomotion system, as well as serving to protect vital parts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A metric repository should facilitate an on-going metrics collection effort, as well as serving as the "corporate memory" of past projects, their histories and experiences.

Journal of Systems and Software

Insects could be useful both from an ecosystem design point of view, as well as serving as a protein-rich food for human occupants.

Advances in Space Research

But he ranked second on the team in scoring and third in assists, as well as serving as the only competent defender in the starting lineup.

The New York Times - Sports

Scottish soundsystem Mungo's Hi Fi doesn't do The Bug justice, but as well as serving the drum'n'bass faithful, they host two of the weekend's best sets.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as well as serving", ensure the sentence clearly establishes the primary role before introducing the additional function to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "as well as serving" when the second function is more significant than the first; consider restructuring the sentence or using a different connector to reflect the proper emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as well as serving" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. According to Ludwig, it adds additional information about the role or function of a subject, supplementing its primary characteristic or action. It highlights that the subject performs another service, adding depth and nuance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

31%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as well as serving" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something performs multiple functions or roles. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various fields, including news, academia, and science. It acts as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, adding supplementary information and depth to descriptions. While generally neutral in tone, its prevalence in professional and scholarly contexts suggests it is best suited for formal communication. To enhance clarity, ensure the primary role is well-established before introducing the additional function.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in addition to functioning as

Emphasizes the primary function before adding another.

besides acting as

Highlights a secondary action in addition to the first.

along with working as

Similar in meaning, but uses "working" to imply action.

furthermore acting as

Adds a more formal tone to the expression.

also performing the function of

More descriptive and emphasizes the function being performed.

while also being used for

Highlights concurrent usage for another purpose.

not only functioning as but

Mirrors a more formal construction of listing

simultaneously serving as

Emphasizes that it occurs simultaneously

on top of being a

Adding another layer of being

beyond its primary purpose

Refers to another purpose, expanding the explanation

FAQs

How can I use "as well as serving" in a sentence?

Use "as well as serving" to indicate an additional function or role that something fulfills beyond its primary purpose. For instance, "The park provides recreational opportunities, "as well as serving" as a vital green space for the city."

What are some alternatives to "as well as serving"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in addition to functioning as", "besides acting as", or "along with working as" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "as well as serving" and "in addition to serving"?

While both phrases are similar, "as well as serving" often implies a more integrated or simultaneous function, whereas "in addition to serving" can suggest a separate, secondary function.

Which is more formal, "as well as serving" or "also serving as"?

"Also serving as" tends to be slightly more formal than ""as well as serving"", but both are generally acceptable in professional and academic writing.