in service of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in service of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the purpose or goal that a person or thing is working toward. For example, "He dedicated his life in service of helping others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The pause wasn't in service of a joke.

The New Yorker

It is symbolism in service of setting a precedent.

The New Yorker

This is dishonest hoodwinkery in service of a bullshit narrative.

The Guardian - Opinion

Is lying acceptable when in service of a greater truth?

The New York Times

His mind appears to be in service of his creations, not in service of his own ego.

The New York Times

"He is always in service of the music," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

But that energy is in service of deeply nebulous ideas.

The New York Times - Arts

So the unjust was rationalized in service of safe streets.

The New York Times

And then, there is the highly debatable third category: lies in service of the greater truth.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cycling demands support riders, each assigned to specific roles, to toil in service of the leader.

The New York Times - Sports

If she cuts a diffident figure, it's simply in service of lyrical brilliance.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in service of", ensure that the connection between the action and its intended purpose is clear and logical to maintain coherence and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "in service of" when describing actions that only tangentially relate to a goal. Ensure a direct and significant contribution to the stated purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in service of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the purpose, aim, or goal of an action or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it specifies what something is done for, aligning actions with intentions. For example, "lying is acceptable when in service of a greater truth".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The prepositional phrase "in service of" is a versatile tool for expressing purpose and intent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and common in written English. Appearing frequently in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts, its primary function is to clearly articulate the objective behind an action or decision. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure a direct and logical connection between the action and its intended goal, to maintain clarity and coherence. Remember, "in service of" signifies dedication to a cause, so use it to emphasize the purpose-driven nature of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the sake of

Focuses on the reason or purpose behind an action.

in the interest of

Highlights acting in someone or something's benefit or advantage.

to advance

Emphasizes the progress or promotion of a cause or idea.

in support of

Highlights providing assistance or advocacy for a particular cause.

to further

Indicates contributing to the growth or development of something.

with the aim of

Specifies a clear objective or intention behind an action.

to promote

Stresses the act of actively encouraging or popularizing something.

on behalf of

Highlights acting as a representative or advocate for someone or something.

for the benefit of

Focuses on the positive outcome or advantage gained by someone or something.

toward the goal of

Emphasizes the direction and objective of an action.

FAQs

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

Use "in service of" to indicate the purpose or goal that something is intended to achieve. For example, "The new policies were implemented "in service of" improving public safety".

What phrases are similar to "in service of"?

Alternatives include "for the sake of", "in the interest of", or "to advance", each emphasizing a different aspect of purpose or benefit.

Is "in service of" formal or informal language?

"In service of" is generally considered neutral to formal language, suitable for both professional writing and news reporting.

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

"In service of" emphasizes the purpose or aim of an action, while "for the benefit of" stresses the positive outcome or advantage it provides.