in the service

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the service" is correct and usable in written English.
It can refer to a person or a thing that is being used in a particular purpose. For example, "The wounded soldier was taken to the hospital in the service of his country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're in the service industry.

The New York Times - Sports

Monogamy thrives in the service of power.

The Economist

My Days in the service of Mary".

The Economist

We are not in the service industry".

The New York Times - Arts

"We're in the service business.

The New York Times

In the service of humanity.

Princeton University

It's all in the service of photography.

The New York Times

He was my friend in the service.

The New Yorker

He met his wife in the service.

The New York Times

In the service sector, Johnson says.

The Guardian

Gains were largely in the service sector.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the service" to describe employment, clarify the entity or cause being served to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "in the service" when a more specific term like "employed by" or "working for" would better convey the exact nature of the relationship. Consider the specific type of service being provided and choose more descriptive wording if necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the service" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate purpose, dedication, or employment. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, clarifying the relationship between an entity and the service being provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Science

11%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the service" is a versatile prepositional phrase widely used to express dedication, employment, or contribution toward a specific entity or cause. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears frequently in various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business, suggesting a neutral to professional register. To ensure clarity, it is recommended to specify the entity or purpose being served. While alternatives like "dedicated to" or "working for" may offer more precise meanings in certain situations. In summary, "in the service" remains a valuable and adaptable phrase for expressing commitment and contribution across diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the service of

Focuses more on being readily available and dedicated to a specific cause or person.

dedicated to

Emphasizes commitment and devotion to a particular purpose.

devoted to

Similar to "dedicated to", but conveys a stronger sense of passion and loyalty.

in support of

Highlights the act of providing assistance or backing for a cause.

for the benefit of

Stresses the positive outcome or advantage gained by someone or something.

working for

Implies employment or active participation in a task or organization.

employed by

Specifically indicates a formal working relationship with an employer.

on behalf of

Indicates acting as a representative or advocate for someone else.

in furtherance of

Suggests contributing to the advancement or progress of a particular goal.

assisting with

Focuses on providing help or aid in a specific task or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the service" to indicate dedication or employment. For example: "He dedicated his life "in the service" of others", or "She worked "in the service" industry".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "in the service"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "dedicated to", "working for", or "at the service of".

Is it correct to say "in service" instead of "in the service"?

While "in service" can be grammatically correct, it typically refers to equipment or systems being operational. "In the service" usually refers to dedication or employment. Therefore, the choice depends on the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "in the service of" and "for the service of"?

"In the service of" typically implies a role or dedication, while "for the service of" suggests something is provided or intended to be used for a specific purpose. For example: "He acted "in the service of" his country" vs. "These funds are "for the service of" the community".