at the service of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the service of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is available to help or assist another person or group. Example: "The volunteers are at the service of the community, ready to assist those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He had put them at the service of Sharif.

The New Yorker

They are completely at the service of these guys".

The New York Times

It is art at the service of efficiency.

The Guardian - Sport

"We believe ourselves to be at the service of people".

The New York Times

Rather, everything is at the service of his excellent punchlines.

The Guardian

"We work at the service of the Security Council".

The New York Times

Here, it is at the service of hollow spectacle.

The Guardian - Film

It was high technology at the service of counterinsurgency war.

The Guardian - Opinion

"All of it is at the service of those communities".

The New York Times

"He put it at the service of the text".

The New York Times - Arts

"Its collections are entirely at the service of the Congress".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the service of" to clearly indicate dedication or availability to a specific purpose or entity. For example, "The organization is at the service of the community."

Common error

Avoid using "at the service of" when the relationship is informal or lacks a clear directive. For instance, instead of saying "He's at the service of his friends", consider "He's always there for his friends".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the service of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating dedication, availability, or subordination. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase connects an entity with the purpose or individual it serves.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the service of" is a versatile prepositional phrase that indicates dedication, availability, or subordination. As shown by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and formal contexts. While alternatives exist, such as "dedicated to" or "available to", the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use it when there is a clear service relationship. Its wide adoption in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian confirms its status as a reliable and effective expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the disposal of

Highlights the readiness and availability of something or someone for use.

dedicated to

Focuses on commitment and devotion, emphasizing a strong sense of loyalty.

available to

Highlights accessibility and readiness to assist or be used by someone.

in the employ of

Emphasizes a formal working relationship, suggesting someone is hired to provide service.

working for

Indicates a professional or functional relationship, implying effort and contribution.

in support of

Focuses on providing assistance and advocacy for a cause or person.

subservient to

Emphasizes a subordinate role, implying obedience and compliance.

under the command of

Highlights hierarchical authority, suggesting direction and control from a superior.

answerable to

Implies accountability and responsibility to someone or something.

owing allegiance to

Emphasizes loyalty and duty, suggesting a formal or moral obligation.

FAQs

How can I use "at the service of" in a sentence?

The phrase "at the service of" indicates dedication, availability, or subordination. For example: "The library is at the service of the students." or "The technology is at the service of scientific progress."

What are some alternatives to "at the service of"?

You can use phrases like "dedicated to", "available to", or "at the disposal of" depending on the specific context.

Is it formal or informal to use "at the service of"?

The phrase "at the service of" is generally considered neutral to formal, and it is appropriate for professional, business, or formal contexts. Using it in informal situations might sound a little stiff.

What's the difference between "at the service of" and "in the service of"?

"At the service of" implies a state of readiness and availability, while "in the service of" indicates active participation or employment. For example, a tool is "at the service of" a craftsman, while a soldier is "in the service of" their country.