can serve as a catalyst

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can serve as a catalyst" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that initiates or accelerates a process or change in a particular context. Example: "The new policy can serve as a catalyst for innovation within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Personal crises — such as losing a job or suffering from racism — can serve as a catalyst for this "religious seeking," the report said.

The New York Times

If the community spaces within the park can serve as a catalyst to that, then I'm truly excited about the future.

The Guardian - Opinion

An IPO filing, even the prepping for an IPO, can serve as a catalyst for an acquisition.

TechCrunch

Project examples and a brief case study illustrate how community academic partnerships in medical education can serve as a "catalyst" to improving community health.

American Journal of Preventive Medicine

Building information modeling (BIM) and related digital innovations can serve as a catalyst for more transparency, tighter integration, and increased productivity in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry.

Computers in Industry

We examine whether technology can serve as a catalyst for reforming post-secondary education, and more specifically whether it can help educators address the problem of passive learning among university level science students.

Computers & Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

This value compares favorably with the results reported on Au/CeO2 catalysts [17], demonstrating that our catalytic system can serve as a promising catalyst for the selective oxidation of alcohols.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Thus, spending time in the outdoors (e.g., hiking, fishing, camping) can serve as a creative catalyst contributing to individual creativity.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

It seems awfully apparent, now, that Facebook and Twitter can serve as a potent catalyst of eruptions of revolutionary fervor —. –and equally apparent that that isn't nearly enough to actually liberate the oppressed.

TechCrunch

The automated anatomical interpretation of ion images can serve as a formidable catalyst for IMS analysis, due to its speed and ability to interpret thousands of ion images concurrently without human supervision.

Analytical Chemistry

"But in the meantime our basic format for 'Anything Goes!' can serve as a model and catalyst for stations throughout the country," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can serve as a catalyst", ensure the context clearly indicates what process or change is being initiated or accelerated. The phrase is most effective when the outcome is also specified.

Common error

Avoid using "can serve as a catalyst" in vague or general contexts. The phrase loses its impact if the reader cannot easily understand what the catalyst is influencing. Always provide a specific and identifiable outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can serve as a catalyst" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing the potential role or ability of a subject to initiate or accelerate a process or change. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

56%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can serve as a catalyst" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe something that has the potential to initiate or accelerate a process or change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While various alternatives exist, such as "can trigger" or "can facilitate", it's crucial to use the phrase with clear context to avoid vagueness. Understanding the nuances of this phrase allows for more precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can act as an impetus

Replaces "catalyst" with "impetus", emphasizing the driving force behind something, slightly more formal.

can trigger

Focuses on the initiating aspect, implying a more immediate reaction.

can spark

Suggests a sudden and energetic beginning, less formal than "catalyst".

can initiate

Highlights the start of a process, more direct and less nuanced than "catalyst".

can facilitate

Emphasizes making something easier or smoother, shifting the focus from initiation to enablement.

can promote

Suggests encouraging growth or development, with a positive connotation.

can be instrumental in

Highlights the importance of the role played, adding emphasis to significance.

can contribute to

Indicates participation in a larger effect or outcome, less direct than "catalyst".

can lead to

Focuses on the consequence or outcome, shifting the emphasis from initiation.

can encourage

Suggests inspiring or giving confidence for something to happen.

FAQs

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

Use "can serve as a catalyst" to describe something that initiates or accelerates a process or change. For example, "The new policy "can serve as a catalyst" for innovation within the organization."

What can I say instead of "can serve as a catalyst"?

You can use alternatives like "can trigger", "can initiate", or "can facilitate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can serve as a catalyst" or "can be a catalyst"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and interchangeable. "Can serve as a catalyst" emphasizes the action or function, while "can be a catalyst" simply states a potential state or role.

What's the difference between "can serve as a catalyst" and "can contribute to"?

"Can serve as a catalyst" implies initiating or accelerating a process, while "can contribute to" suggests a supporting role in a larger outcome. The former is more active and direct.