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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.
Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
can serve as a
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Courts can serve as a moral compass.
News & Media
These results can serve as a reference for future investigations.
Science
Activated carbon can serve as a media for concentrating VOC.
Science
Therefore, it can serve as a structural health monitoring system.
Science
A wine book can serve as a guide.
News & Media
Cocaine can serve as a stimulant during competition.
News & Media
Remember that a digital camera can serve as a scanner.
News & Media
It can serve as a bridge in three-team deals.
News & Media
It can serve as a bridge to a new life".
News & Media
Every fax machine can serve as a remote printer.
News & Media
"Any speaker in the world can serve as a transmitter.
News & Media
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".
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
can function as a
Replaces "serve" with "function", emphasizing the practical operation or role of something.
can act as a
Substitutes "serve" with "act", focusing on the behavior or performance of something in a specific role.
can work as a
Replaces "serve" with "work", highlighting the effectiveness or suitability of something for a particular purpose.
can be employed as a
Offers a more formal alternative, replacing "serve" with "be employed", suitable for professional or academic contexts.
can be utilized as a
Another formal option, substituting "serve" with "be utilized", emphasizing the practical application of something.
can operate as a
Similar to "can function as a", emphasizing the operational capabilities of something.
can stand as a
Shifts the focus to representation or symbolism, suggesting something acts as an example or marker.
can represent as a
Emphasizes that something symbolizes or exemplifies something else.
can constitute as a
Indicates that something forms or composes a particular role or function.
can be considered as a
Suggests that something is regarded or viewed in a certain way, fulfilling a particular role.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested