be serviceable for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be serviceable for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the usefulness or suitability of something for a particular purpose or function. Example: "This tool may not be the best option, but it can still be serviceable for basic repairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Will American Airlines' new aeroplanes be serviceable for thirty years or should they be depreciated over just twenty?

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Fiennes's aggrieved scowl and haughty profile turn out to be serviceable for either side of the equation.

The New York Times

In the Army, this process is a matter of exchanging your trim regulation uniform for a pair of pajamas cut from cloth that would be serviceable for a schooner's sails and tailored to fit a man with a roly-poly torso and abnormally long legs.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The predicted result is serviceable for the formation design.

Journal of Crystal Growth

But Ibanez has been serviceable for the Yankees, and on Montero's return to Yankee Stadium on Friday, it was Ibanez who had the biggest hit of the game.

The New York Times - Sports

With an inherent ability to affect games with his athleticism, Peppers is serviceable for an offense that ranks outside the top 25 in yards per play.

The Washington Post

On his way to work, Trotsky often stopped at small deli in the Bronx, the Triangle Dairy Restaurant, which was serviceable for a cheap meal.

The New Yorker

If New Jersey is going to spend taxpayer money, it ought to be for a facility that is serviceable for as many taxpayers as possible.

The New York Times - Sports

Creating a room that is serviceable for multiple users.

International Journal of STEM Education

While iTunes is serviceable for locating and playing video podcasts on iOS devices, Mediafly has a superior discovery and categorization platform.

Huffington Post

May be high density ROS generation is serviceable for SAN-induced VEGF mRNA inhibition, low concentration of ROS is useless for VEGF mRNA inhibition induced by SAN.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be serviceable for" to indicate that something is functional and meets basic requirements, even if it's not exceptional. Consider other phrases if you want to express higher quality.

Common error

Avoid using "be serviceable for" when you want to convey excellence or high performance. This phrase suggests adequacy, not superiority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be serviceable for" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the capability or suitability of something to fulfill a particular purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be serviceable for" indicates a satisfactory, yet not necessarily exceptional, level of functionality or utility for a particular purpose. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and usable. It appears across different contexts, including News & Media, Science and Academia. While alternatives like "be useful for" or "be suitable for" may offer more direct or nuanced expressions, "be serviceable for" provides a clear signal of adequacy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be useful for

Focuses directly on utility or helpfulness, a more straightforward alternative.

be helpful for

Similar to "be useful for", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on providing assistance.

be suitable for

Highlights appropriateness and fitness for a specific purpose.

be adequate for

Suggests a level of sufficiency, implying just enough to meet the requirements.

be effective for

Emphasizes the capability of achieving a desired result or outcome.

be beneficial for

Highlights the advantageous or positive impact of something.

be advantageous for

Stresses the element of providing an edge or advantage.

serve a purpose for

Emphasizes that something fulfills a specific function or intention.

be of service to

Implies a more direct form of assistance or contribution.

be instrumental in

Highlights a critical role in achieving a particular outcome.

FAQs

What does "be serviceable for" mean?

It means that something is adequate or functional enough for a particular purpose, even if it's not the best or most ideal option.

How can I use "be serviceable for" in a sentence?

For example, "This old car may not be pretty, but it will be serviceable for getting you to work."

What are some alternatives to "be serviceable for"?

You can use alternatives like "be useful for", "be suitable for", or "be adequate for" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "be useful for" or "be serviceable for"?

"Be useful for" is a more common and generally applicable phrase. "Be serviceable for" implies a basic level of functionality, whereas "be useful for" suggests a broader range of helpfulness.