in service

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in service" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to mean any action or job that provides a service to others. For example, "She has been in service to her community for many years, volunteering in various capacities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

I work in service.

The New Yorker

Phones are back in service".

The New York Times

"This is in service to them".

The New York Times

I like to work in service.

The New Yorker

It was no longer in service.

The New Yorker

The bridge is still in service today.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

It is an opt-in service.

Independent

It's in-service training.

The New York Times - Arts

Establish high quality in-service training programmes.

The Guardian

for in-service early childhood teachers.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

The in-service engineering authority manages the in-service build and design standards.

Engineering Systems Acquisition and Support

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the state of equipment or systems, use "in service" to clearly indicate that they are functioning and available for their intended purpose. For example, "The new MRI machine is now in service at the hospital."

Common error

Avoid using "in service" interchangeably with phrases like "at your service" or "customer service". "In service" indicates a state of functionality or employment, while the others refer to assistance or support provided to others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in service" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a noun or verb to indicate a state of being operational, employed, or dedicated to a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English. The examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in service" is a versatile prepositional phrase widely used to indicate that something is operational, employed, or dedicated to a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general conversation. While it is commonly used, it's important to differentiate it from similar phrases like "at your service". Remember to utilize it when you clearly want to state something or someone's active status or functionality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in operation

Indicates that something is currently working or being used.

operational

Focuses on the functionality and readiness for use of something, shifting the emphasis from active employment to capability.

functional

Highlights the ability of something to perform its intended function effectively.

engaged in service

Highlights the active participation and commitment to providing service.

available for use

Emphasizes the accessibility and readiness of something, rather than its current state of being employed.

in commission

Commonly used to describe ships or military equipment that are active and ready for deployment.

on duty

Specifically refers to being actively performing one's job or assigned tasks.

actively working

Emphasizes the ongoing and engaged nature of the service or work being performed.

performing duties

Focuses on the fulfillment of assigned responsibilities and tasks within a service role.

at work

Indicates the state of performing a job or task, often in a professional context.

FAQs

How can I use "in service" in a sentence?

Use "in service" to indicate that something is operational or someone is employed to provide a service. For example, "The elevator is now "in service" after repairs", or "All my relatives were "in service"."

What's the difference between "in service" and "out of service"?

"In service" means something is functioning and available for use, while "out of service" means it is not functioning or available, often due to repairs or maintenance.

What can I say instead of "in service"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "operational", "functional", or "available for use".

Is "in service" formal or informal language?

"In service" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more technical or professional contexts might favor "operational" or "functional".