is not serving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not serving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not fulfilling its intended purpose or function. Example: "The current strategy is not serving the needs of our customers effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Clearly this is not serving Iran's interest".

The New York Times

"It is not serving any purpose," he said.

The New York Times

But this EU is not serving its citizens".

The Guardian

"This market is not serving consumers well," said John Fingleton, the chief executive of the OFT.

Independent

Gaskin says the American approach to birth is not serving women and babies.

The New York Times - Magazine

They feel that politics is not serving their purpose or working for them".

Independent

To promote that image, Gallo is not serving the jug wines that made the company wealthy.

The New York Times

The implication is Waterstone's in its current form is not serving authors well.

The Guardian - Business

"It is because of that privilege that she is not serving three consecutive terms".

The New York Times - Books

Overall, the American system for capital allocation is not serving the American economy well.

Harvard Business Review

The current balkanized approach to measuring patent quality is not serving the users of the world's patent systems.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs to replace "serving" for more impact. Instead of "is not serving", you could use "is failing", "is neglecting", or "is undermining" depending on the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "is not serving" without clearly specifying what it should be serving. Vague statements like "the system is not serving" lack impact. Provide specific examples or beneficiaries that are being underserved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not serving" functions as a negative assertion, indicating that a subject is failing to fulfill its intended role or purpose. Ludwig AI examples show the phrase used to critique systems, policies, or actions that are underperforming.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is not serving" is a versatile phrase used to express that something is not fulfilling its intended purpose or function. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across different contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific discussions. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's crucial to clearly define what is not being served and to whom or what. Consider using stronger verbs like "failing" or "neglecting" for more impact. Related alternatives include "is failing to provide", "is not fulfilling its purpose", and "is not benefiting", each offering a slightly different nuance. By understanding its usage and potential pitfalls, you can effectively communicate when something is falling short of expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not fulfilling its purpose

This phrase highlights the absence of achieving the intended goal or function.

is failing to provide

This alternative emphasizes the failure to deliver something expected or needed.

is not working for

This indicates that something is ineffective or unsuitable for a particular person or group.

is not benefiting

This option focuses on the lack of positive impact or advantage.

is not adequately meeting

This emphasizes a deficiency in satisfying requirements or needs.

is proving unhelpful

This suggests that something is not providing assistance or support.

is falling short in

Emphasizes the failure to reach a desired standard or level.

is deficient in

Focuses on the inadequacy or lack of certain qualities or features.

is not suitable for

Highlights the inappropriateness of something for a specific use or situation.

is of no use to

Emphasizes complete lack of utility or benefit for someone or something.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "is not serving"?

You can use alternatives like "is failing to provide", "is not fulfilling its purpose", or "is not benefiting" depending on the context.

How to use "is not serving" in a sentence?

The phrase "is not serving" can be used to indicate that something is not fulfilling its intended purpose or function. For example, "The current strategy is not serving the needs of our customers effectively".

When is it appropriate to use "is not serving"?

Use "is not serving" when you want to express that something or someone is not adequately fulfilling a role, purpose, or function. It's suitable for describing systems, policies, products, or even people's actions that are falling short of expectations.

What is the difference between "is not serving" and "is failing"?

"Is not serving" implies a lack of effectiveness in fulfilling a purpose, while "is failing" suggests a more definitive breakdown or inability to succeed. You might say a tool "is not serving" its intended function if it's inefficient, but it "is failing" if it's completely broken.