it serves both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it serves both" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that fulfills two purposes or benefits two parties simultaneously. Example: "The new policy is designed to improve efficiency; it serves both the employees and the management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

But Goldman Sachs (much like every other large investment bank) has an inherent conflict of interest in that it serves both its proprietary capital and its customers.

Huffington Post

It serves both New Yorkers and out-of-towners.

The New York Times

Newark International Airport is one of the world's busiest, since it serves both Newark and the New York City area.

Britannica

But it serves both countries, as well as Israel, to have the story front and centre while US and Iran sit down in Geneva.

The Guardian

It serves both large and small pension funds, ranging from the Jacksonville City Retirement System, a $1.9 billion plan, to the $41 million Riviera Beach Police Pension Fund.

The New York Times

It serves both the high and low end of the market; white-tablecloth restaurants to catfish shacks, fried-chicken houses, and barbecue joints.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

It served both established and newly arrived immigrants and its ambitious name was apparently chosen to impress (or confuse).

The New York Times

Leonard Chess and Waters had a particularly close relationship, and it served both of them well.

The Guardian - Music

It served both sides in the Cold War to take each other's rhetoric at face value.

The New Yorker

Once a restaurant like Pascalou would have been called Continental, meaning that it served both French and Italian food.

The New York Times - Arts

Frank Morris, 51, owned a shoe shop in Ferriday that was unusual for 1964 Louisiana because it served both white and black customers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "benefits" or "accommodates" to add variety to your writing while maintaining clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it serves both" without clearly specifying what "it" refers to. Ensure the antecedent is unambiguous to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it serves both" functions as a transitive verb phrase indicating that something performs a service or fulfills a purpose for two distinct entities or aspects simultaneously. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it serves both" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey that something fulfills two separate purposes or benefits two distinct entities concurrently. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Found frequently in news media, scientific literature, and encyclopedic entries, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts. To enhance clarity, ensure the subjects being served are explicitly defined. Alternatives such as "benefits" or "accommodates" can add nuance to your writing. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "it serves both" to communicate duality in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it benefits both

Focuses on the advantage or positive outcome for each party involved, emphasizing the favorable result.

it caters to both

Highlights the act of providing what is needed or desired by two distinct groups or entities, suggesting accommodation.

it accommodates both

Emphasizes the ability to provide space or resources for each of the parties involved, conveying inclusion.

it is advantageous to both

Directly states that something provides an advantage or benefit to two separate parties.

it is useful for both

Emphasizes the practical utility for each of the parties involved.

it works for both

Indicates that something is effective or suitable for two parties, suggesting a solution or method.

it supports both

Focuses on providing backing, assistance, or resources to two distinct entities.

it addresses both

Implies that something deals with or manages the needs or issues of two separate parties.

it is designed for both

Highlights that something was intentionally created to serve two purposes or groups.

it targets both

Indicates that something is aimed at or intended for two specific parties or goals.

FAQs

How can I use "it serves both" in a sentence?

Use "it serves both" to indicate that something fulfills two different purposes or benefits two different entities simultaneously. For example, "The new policy "it serves both" employees and management".

What are some alternatives to using "it serves both"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it benefits both", "it caters to both", or "it accommodates both", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "it serves both"?

Yes, "it serves both" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate a dual function or benefit.

What's the difference between "it serves both" and "it benefits both"?

"It serves both" emphasizes the action of serving two purposes, while "it benefits both" emphasizes the positive outcome or advantage for each party. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the function or the result.