can be served

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be served" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is available to be provided or offered, often in the context of food or services. Example: "The dish can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only 100 percent juice can be served.

The New York Times

You can be served caviar anywhere.

The New York Times - Food

This can be served at room temperature.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Many can be served at room temperature.

The New York Times - Food

The pork can be served slightly pink.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Perfectly sweet, these pancakes can be served on their own.

Independent

Each weeknight, as many as 130 meals can be served.

The New York Times

Any extra potato can be served on the side.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The fluffy mash can be served with no further action.

The New York Times

Fresh blueberries and whipped cream can be served alongside.

The New York Times - Food

Can be served warm, at room temperature or fridge-cold.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing options for food or beverages, use "can be served" to clearly indicate the possible ways they can be presented (e.g., "The soup can be served hot or cold").

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "can be served" in all your writing. Vary your sentence structure by using active voice when possible to create more direct and engaging content.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be served" functions as a passive verb phrase. It expresses the possibility or permissibility of something being presented or provided. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

27%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be served" is a grammatically correct and versatile passive verb phrase widely used to indicate how something may be presented or offered. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. With a neutral register and frequent occurrence in news, science, and general writing, this phrase effectively communicates the potential ways in which food, beverages, services, or other items can be delivered or presented. Consider alternative phrases such as "may be offered" or "is available" to add variety to your writing, and be mindful of overusing the passive voice. It is considered very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be offered

Emphasizes the possibility or availability of being provided, similar to "can be served".

could be provided

Suggests a potential for something to be furnished or supplied, mirroring the sense of being served.

might be presented

Indicates a chance for something to be shown or displayed, akin to offering a service.

is available

Highlights the readiness or accessibility of something, similar to being ready to be served.

is offered

Focuses on the act of providing or presenting something, comparable to serving.

is provided

Stresses the action of supplying or furnishing something, like serving a purpose.

can be supplied

Emphasizes the capability of something to be furnished or delivered, similar to being served.

may be furnished

Suggests the possibility of something being equipped or provided, mirroring the offering of service.

could be delivered

Indicates a potential for something to be brought or provided, akin to serving a meal.

might be rendered

Highlights a chance for something to be given or performed, comparable to serving a role.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be served" to indicate the way something is presented or offered. For example, "This dish "can be served" warm or cold", or "The beverage "can be served" with ice."

What are some alternatives to "can be served"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "may be offered", "is available", or "is provided".

Which is correct, "can be served" or "can serve"?

"Can be served" is passive, indicating something is acted upon (e.g., "The meal can be served"). "Can serve" is active, meaning something is doing the action (e.g., "The waiter can serve the meal"). The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "can be served" and "is served"?

"Can be served" implies a possibility or potential, whereas "is served" indicates a current or habitual action. For example, "Dessert wine "can be served" alone or with dessert" suggests a choice, while "Dessert is served at 8 PM" indicates a regular occurrence.