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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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can serve as a

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "can serve as a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are introducing a new word or phrase by saying what it can be used to do, or what it can represent. For example, "A sense of community can serve as a buffer against life's stressors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Courts can serve as a moral compass.

These results can serve as a reference for future investigations.

Activated carbon can serve as a media for concentrating VOC.

Therefore, it can serve as a structural health monitoring system.

A wine book can serve as a guide.

Cocaine can serve as a stimulant during competition.

Remember that a digital camera can serve as a scanner.

It can serve as a bridge in three-team deals.

News & Media

The New York Times

It can serve as a bridge to a new life".

News & Media

The New York Times

Every fax machine can serve as a remote printer.

News & Media

The New York Times

"Any speaker in the world can serve as a transmitter.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can serve as a" when you want to clearly state the potential function or role of something. This phrase is versatile and suitable for various contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "can serve as a" in overly simplistic sentences where a more direct verb would suffice. For instance, instead of "This room can serve as a bedroom", consider "This room is a bedroom".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can serve as a" functions as a linking verb phrase that introduces a description of the subject's potential role or function. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates the possible use or purpose of something. Examples across various domains illustrate this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can serve as a" is a versatile linguistic tool used to describe the potential function or role of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English writing. With a high frequency across diverse fields like science, news, and academia, it's evident this phrase bridges contexts effectively. Alternatives such as "can function as a" or "can act as a" offer nuanced variations, but the core purpose remains consistent: to highlight an object or concept's capacity to fulfill a particular role. However, avoid overuse in simple sentences where more direct language would suffice, ensuring clarity and conciseness in your writing.

FAQs

How can I use "can serve as a" in a sentence?

The phrase "can serve as a" indicates the potential function or role of something. For example, "A mentor "can serve as a" guide throughout your career".

What are some alternatives to "can serve as a"?

You can use alternatives like "can function as a", "can act as a", or "can work as a" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "can serve as a" and "can function as a"?

While both phrases are similar, "can function as a" often emphasizes the practical operation or capability of something, whereas "can serve as a" is a more general expression of fulfilling a role or purpose.

When is it best to use "can serve as a" in formal writing?

"Can serve as a" is suitable for formal writing when you need to clearly and directly state the potential function or purpose of something. More formal alternatives like "can be utilized as a" or "can be employed as a" may be even more appropriate in certain contexts.

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Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: