can serve as a bookshelf

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can serve as a bookshelf" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an object or piece of furniture that has the capability to hold books or similar items. Example: "This sturdy ladder can serve as a bookshelf when not in use for climbing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Cohen shows us that anything can serve as a bookshelf.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The home has three bedrooms upstairs and two downstairs; a den on the lower level has built-in bookshelves and can serve as a sixth bedroom or an office.

The New York Times

Courts can serve as a moral compass.

The Washington Post

The headset can serve as a remote.

TechCrunch

Single case can serve as a test.

Business Research

He can serve as an example.

The Guardian

Children can serve as an additional battleground.

The New York Times

68 Kaiser Permanente can serve as an example.

HIV/AIDS - Research and Palliative Care

It can serve as inspiration.

The New York Times

This can serve as your timer.

WikiHow

It serves as a bookshelf for any books you may download off the iBookstore.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase to describe items repurposed or designed to hold books, emphasizing their secondary or dual function. It's useful in interior design or DIY contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "can serve as a bookshelf" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language may be preferred. Consider alternatives like "functions as a bookshelf" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can serve as a bookshelf" functions as a descriptive phrase. As per Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase, describing the potential or capability of an object to function as a bookshelf.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can serve as a bookshelf" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe an object's potential or secondary function as a bookshelf. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for general usage, although more formal alternatives exist for academic or professional contexts. While versatile, the phrase appears infrequently, typically in news, media, and DIY-related articles. Related phrases like "can function as a bookshelf" and "can act as a bookshelf" offer similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can function as a bookshelf

Replaces 'serve' with 'function', emphasizing the practical use.

can act as a bookshelf

Substitutes 'serve' with 'act', highlighting the role or purpose.

can double as a bookshelf

Indicates a secondary purpose in addition to its primary function.

can be utilized as a bookshelf

Formal alternative replacing 'serve' with 'be utilized', suitable for formal contexts.

can be employed as a bookshelf

Similar to 'utilized', but with slightly different nuance, emphasizing the use.

is adaptable as a bookshelf

Focuses on the adaptability of the object to function as a bookshelf.

can be converted into a bookshelf

Highlights the transformation aspect to function as a bookshelf.

can transform into a bookshelf

Emphasizes a more significant change or adaptation.

is suitable for use as a bookshelf

Focuses on the suitability of the object for the bookshelf function.

is designed to function as a bookshelf

Highlights the intended design for use as a bookshelf.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "can serve as a bookshelf"?

Alternatives include "can function as a bookshelf", "can act as a bookshelf", or "can double as a bookshelf", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "can serve as a bookshelf" formal or informal?

The phrase "can serve as a bookshelf" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider alternatives like "can be utilized as a bookshelf".

What does it mean when something "can serve as a bookshelf"?

It means that the object or structure is capable of holding books, either by design or through repurposing. It suggests that the item has the capacity to function as a storage space for books.

What are some examples of items that "can serve as a bookshelf"?

Examples include a sturdy ladder, a set of stacked crates, or even a wide windowsill. Essentially, anything that provides a stable, horizontal surface "can function as a bookshelf".