in their service

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in their service" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is working for or serving another person or organization. Example: "After retiring from the military, John spent the rest of his career in their service as a consultant for the Department of Defense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And in their service we all ultimately stand accountable.

The Guardian

I.B.M. and H.P. are trying to get into public clouds in their service business.

The New York Times

The companies were accused of using the same tactics to keep foreign workers in their service.

The New York Times

Commuters suffer overpriced, crowded trains and unacceptable unpredictability in their service.

The Guardian - Opinion

Must an e-marketplace relegate customers to formal auction bidding in their service transactions?

The New York Times

The men support the women without seeming perpetually subordinated in their service, and certainly without much manhandling of them.

The New York Times - Arts

As they begin this new chapter in their service, their country too will find itself transformed for the better.

The New York Times

His employment by the Esterházy family proved decisive for his career, and he remained in their service until his death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The staff take pride in their service and will happily search for titles, order in books and make recommendations.

The Guardian - Books

Many have already announced increases in their service fees in the wake of the latest commission cut.

The New York Times

After being in their service for about fifty years, the employees are called by their first names.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in their service", ensure the pronoun 'their' clearly refers to a specific group or organization previously mentioned in the text to avoid ambiguity. For example: 'The employees dedicated many years in their service to the company.'

Common error

Avoid using "in their service" without a clear antecedent for "their". Vague pronoun references can confuse readers. Instead of: 'The program helped many, with some continuing in their service', specify: '...continuing in the program's service'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in their service" typically functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the beneficiary or recipient of an action or dedication. Ludwig examples show it describing purpose or dedication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in their service" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate dedication, employment, or allegiance to a person, group, or cause. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples confirms that it's grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. The phrase is suitable for formal and neutral registers, expressing commitment or a working relationship. When using it, ensure clarity in pronoun reference to avoid ambiguity. As the Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is well-established and versatile in expressing dedication and commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to serve them

A more formal and direct synonym, denoting duty and allegiance.

working for them

A more direct way of stating employment or assistance, emphasizing the act of performing tasks for someone.

in their employ

This option refers to being employed by someone, focusing on the employment relationship.

at their disposal

This alternative highlights availability for use or assistance, focusing on resources or help being readily accessible.

assisting them

Similar to 'aiding them', but can also suggest a more formal or structured support.

aiding them

This alternative places emphasis on actively providing help or support, often in a direct manner.

on their behalf

Implies acting as a representative or advocate for someone, focusing on acting in their interest.

for their benefit

This alternative focuses on actions taken to improve someone's situation or well-being.

at their command

This suggests readiness to follow orders or instructions, highlighting a hierarchical relationship.

at their beck and call

This phrase highlights immediate availability and obedience, often implying a subservient role.

FAQs

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

You can use "in their service" to indicate that someone is working for or dedicated to an organization or individual. For example: "The soldiers risked their lives "in their service" to the nation".

What phrases are similar to "in their service"?

Alternatives include "working for them", "at their disposal", or "on their behalf", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "in their service" in formal writing?

Yes, "in their service" is suitable for formal writing. It's commonly found in news reports, academic papers, and business documents. Other suitable expressions are "to serve them" or "in their employ".

What's the difference between "in their service" and "in their services"?

"In their service" refers to the act of serving or working for someone, whereas "in their services" refers to utilizing the services provided by an organization or individual. For example, a soldier is "in their service" to their country, while a customer is using "in their services" from a company.