engaging the services

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "engaging the services" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to hiring or employing someone for a specific task or service. Example: "The company is engaging the services of a consultant to improve its marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Mrs. Reagan ultimately let both men do her hair — while also engaging the services of a Washington hairdresser, Robin Weir.

The New York Times - Arts

He reveals that the key to Paul Pogba leaving United in 2012 was the young Frenchman engaging the services of Mino Raiola, who also represents Mario Balotelli.

Independent

Early on in his planning for this show, Parreno thought of engaging the services of a clairvoyant to help him organise his works, but dropped the idea, and has used instead Igor Stravinsky's Petroushka, performed by the virtuoso pianist Mikhail Rudy and replayed on four Disklavier pianos dotted through the exhibition, to orchestrate the show.

The Guardian - Arts

Anna, her psyche buckling under the appallingly cruel combination of despair and hope, is prepared to try anything to get her child back, including engaging the services of psychic Richard Latham, and it is under his dubious auspices that the two strands of the story start to come together.

The Guardian - Books

Informational resources were gathered by engaging the services of a consulting firm.

European Transport Research Review

Plan sponsors who are not already working with a fiduciary adviser may consider engaging the services of an accredited or certified fiduciary analyst to review the plan's investment options and ensure they conform to fiduciary standards.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

As such, for the second consultation, the XWP engaged the services of a public relations company to promote community engagement and increase public participation.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Bridge was upset by this, while Vanessa Perroncel quickly engaged the services of Max Clifford.

The Guardian - Sport

He engaged the services of Michael Nussbaum, a NY political consultant & was introduced to senators & congressmen.

The New Yorker

It was entirely up to him if he wished to engage the services of prostitutes.

The Guardian

The Australian model Elle Macpherson has engaged the services of a top PR firm in the wake of the phone-hacking scandal.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "engaging the services" of a professional, clearly define the scope of work and expected outcomes to ensure both parties are aligned.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by establishing a written contract when "engaging the services" of freelancers or consultants. This protects both you and the service provider.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engaging the services" functions primarily as a verbal noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the act of hiring, employing, or utilizing a service provider. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "engaging the services" is a common and grammatically correct verbal noun phrase used to describe the act of hiring or employing someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It frequently appears in news, science, and business contexts, indicating its professional register. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by defining the scope of work through a formal agreement. Alternative phrases include "hiring the services" or "securing the services", offering variations in formality and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

securing the services

Emphasizes the act of obtaining services, suggesting a competitive or deliberate acquisition.

employing the services

Highlights the act of hiring or utilizing someone's skills or resources.

retaining the services

Implies a longer-term arrangement, keeping someone available for ongoing needs.

hiring the services

Directly suggests employing someone for a specific task or period.

procuring the services

Suggests a formal or official acquisition of services, often through a defined process.

contracting the services

Highlights the formal agreement or contract involved in obtaining services.

enlisting the services

Suggests persuading or convincing someone to provide their services, often for a specific purpose.

accessing the services

Focuses on the act of gaining entry to or making use of available services.

making use of the services

Emphasizes the actual utilization of the services offered.

drawing upon the services

Implies using a resource or skill that is already available or established.

FAQs

How can I use "engaging the services" in a sentence?

You can use "engaging the services" to describe the act of hiring or employing someone for a specific task. For example, "The company is considering "engaging the services" of a consultant to improve its marketing strategy."

What's a more formal way to say "engaging the services"?

A more formal way to express "engaging the services" is to say "procuring the services". This phrasing is often used in official or business contexts.

Which is correct: "engaging the services of" or "engaging in the services of"?

"Engaging the services of" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Engaging in the services of" is grammatically awkward and rarely used.

What can I say instead of "engaging the services"?

You can use alternatives like "hiring the services", "securing the services", or "employing the services" depending on the context.