can serve as a marker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can serve as a marker" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that indicates or signifies a particular point, status, or condition. Example: "In this experiment, the color change can serve as a marker for the reaction's completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Telomeres shorten with every cell replication and thus can serve as a marker of a cell's biological age.

Science Magazine

Among these molecules, ICAM has gained a particular interest because of its localized expression upon inflammatory signals, which can serve as a marker for inflammation despite its constitutive low level expression [201, 202].

International Nano Letters

Shared knowledge may be a powerful determinant of children's social preferences, both because it underpins effective communication and because it is conveyed by others through social interactions and therefore can serve as a marker of social group identity.

Cognition

Any distinction that can serve as a marker of collective identity and difference will acquire political quality if it has the power, in a concrete situation, to sort people into two opposing groups that are willing, if necessary, to fight against each other (CP 37 8).

SEP

In this sense, simple examination of the pattern of red fluorescence can serve as a marker of the directive axis.

Plosone

This finding extends previous studies that "stem cell-ness" gene expression pattern can serve as a marker for poor prognosis of malignant diseases [59], [60].

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

By using color, the robots can serve as a visual marker to help search crews.

The New York Times - Science

To determine whether PIVKA-II can serve as a monitoring marker of warfarin treatment.

Clinical Biochemistry

Serial FDG PET can serve as a pharmacodynamic marker of response to chemotherapy in several tumors, including breast [13 15].

EJNMMI Research

However, it is well-established that erectile dysfunction (ED) can serve as a risk marker for coronary disease.

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

Hence, RM6844, a codominant SSR, located 0.16 Mb upstream of AHAS (LOC_Os02g30630) can serve as a robust marker for MAB of this trait.

Rice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can serve as a marker", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being marked or indicated. For instance, specify the condition, status, or point that the marker signifies to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "can serve as a marker" in contexts where the indication is weak or unreliable. Ensure the marker has a strong correlation with what it's supposed to indicate, as overuse can dilute its significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can serve as a marker" functions as a linking phrase or predicate nominative. It connects a subject to a noun or noun phrase (the "marker") while indicating a potential or capability. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

89%

News & Media

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can serve as a marker" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase, particularly within scientific and academic fields, to indicate the potential use of something as an indicator or identifier. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While alternatives exist, such as "can act as an indicator" or "can function as a signal", the original phrase effectively conveys the intended meaning with a degree of formality suitable for professional contexts. When utilizing the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being marked to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can act as an indicator

Replaces "serve" with "act", emphasizing the function of indication.

can function as a signal

Substitutes "marker" with "signal", focusing on the communicative aspect.

can be used as a sign

Emphasizes the usability of the phrase as a sign, offering a more direct construction.

can represent

Uses "represent" instead of "serve as a marker", focusing on symbolic representation.

can indicate

Offers a concise alternative, directly stating the act of indication.

can denote

Replaces with "denote", offering a more formal and precise way of indicating.

can signify

Substitutes "signify", focusing on the meaning and importance of the indication.

can be indicative of

Adds "indicative of", emphasizing the character of the sign.

can provide evidence of

Focuses on the aspect of evidence, implying a more substantial indication.

can highlight

Uses "highlight", changing from a function to an action that helps to emphasize something important or show it more clearly.

FAQs

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

Use "can serve as a marker" to indicate that something can be used to identify or signify a particular condition or aspect. For example: "Telomere attrition "can serve as a marker" of major carcinogenic pathways."

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

Alternatives include "can act as an indicator", "can function as a signal", or "can be used as a sign" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "can serve as a marker" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize that something has the potential to identify or signify a particular status, condition or point. Especially useful in scientific and technical writing.

What is the difference between "can serve as a marker" and "is a marker"?

"Can serve as a marker" implies a potential or possibility, while "is a marker" indicates a confirmed and established role. The former suggests it could be used, whereas the latter asserts that it is used as a marker.