it serves to deter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it serves to deter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the purpose of a measure or action that is intended to discourage certain behavior. Example: "The new policy was implemented because it serves to deter potential violations of the rules."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A deterrence theory of punishment holds that the institution of criminal punishment is morally justified because it serves to deter criminal offences.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Bill Gates has dismissed criticism by health campaigners of the high prices of some vaccines, warning that it only serves to deter pharmaceutical companies from working on life-saving products for poor countries.

The Guardian

While this framework affords directors considerable leeway to manage the affairs of the company through a bedrock principle of Delaware law called the business judgment rule, it also serves to deter directors from engaging in problematic behavior and to hold directors responsible when they act carelessly or put their own interests above those of the shareholders.

Forbes

The certainty of punishment, particularly to the extent that it involves harsh punishment and the isolation of male peasants (sic!) [editors note: the transcriber erred, the speaker said malfeasants] from civil society, strengthens the resolve of the law-abiding and serves to deter those who may have initially strayed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Both scenarios described above relate to increases in the risk of detection: the former serves to deter would-be thieves and the latter boosts the probability of an offender being apprehended.

Crime Science

It is conceivable that prospective clients want to have increased choice in where they travel for care and a business model that constrains options serves to deter clients that might otherwise consider going abroad for health care.

Globalization and Health

This serves to deter snakes or other predators from raiding the nest.

WikiHow

Certainly, transparency is a virtue, but transparency alone will not serve to deter torture unless it is followed by accountability.

Huffington Post

It considers some possible reforms of international law that might serve to deter the corruption of weak governments.

Duke University

While long, barbed awns serve to deter seed predation and enable seed dissemination in the wild, it is likely that they were actively selected against during domestication to facilitate harvesting and postharvest processing.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Do you intend to suggest that the fact that abuses have not yet been reported is evidence that no abuses have in fact occurred as the result of a program that was unknown to potential victims before it was reported by The Times? Have you considered that the reporting by The Times may have served to deter future abuses?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it serves to deter", ensure the subject clearly indicates what action or outcome is being discouraged. Be specific for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it serves to deter" with an unclear or ambiguous subject. Readers should immediately understand what the 'it' refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it serves to deter" functions as a purpose connector, linking an action or policy to its intended effect of discouraging or preventing something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it serves to deter" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the intended preventative function of an action or policy. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is correct and appropriate for discussing measures designed to discourage unwanted behaviors. While not exceptionally common, it appears in a variety of contexts, including news, academia, and scientific writing. When using the phrase, clarity is key; ensure that the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "it helps to prevent" or "it functions to discourage" exist, "it serves to deter" provides a specific focus on the deterrent aspect. The phrase is typically found in neutral contexts. It's not considered high frequency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it helps to prevent

Focuses on proactive prevention, rather than simply deterring.

it functions to discourage

Emphasizes the intended function as being discouragement.

it works to avert

Highlights the avoidance of something negative.

it aims to preclude

Suggests a goal of making something impossible.

it is designed to impede

Focuses on hindering or slowing down progress.

it intends to forestall

Emphasizes acting in advance to prevent something.

it seeks to inhibit

Implies an attempt to suppress or restrain.

it endeavors to preclude

Highlights the effort made to make something impossible.

it acts to dissuade

Focuses on persuading someone not to do something.

it contributes to hindering

Suggests that the phrase is only a contributing factor not the only one.

FAQs

How can I use "it serves to deter" in a sentence?

Use "it serves to deter" to explain the purpose of something in preventing a particular action. For example, "The increased security measures "it serves to deter" theft".

What are some alternatives to "it serves to deter"?

Alternatives include "it helps to prevent", "it functions to discourage", or "it works to avert", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "it serves to deter" or "it deters"?

"It deters" is more direct and concise. "It serves to deter" emphasizes the intended purpose or function more explicitly.

What is the difference between "it serves to deter" and "it is meant to deter"?

"It serves to deter" highlights the actual function, while "it is meant to deter" indicates the intended function, even if it's not necessarily effective.