serve a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serve a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as when discussing providing a service, offering food, or fulfilling a role. Example: "The restaurant aims to serve a diverse menu that caters to all dietary preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They do serve a purpose".

The New York Times

We serve a need.

The Guardian

They no longer serve a military purpose".

The New York Times

Or do they serve a crucial purpose?

The New York Times

We serve a lot of people.

The New Yorker

Monsters serve a purpose in every age.

The New York Times

The delayed playback could serve a purpose.

The New York Times

Even the failed businesses serve a purpose.

The Economist

The posters serve a double purpose.

The Economist

Many Hawaiian restaurants serve a version.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Cortines agreed to serve a year ago, when Supt.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serve a", ensure the noun that follows accurately reflects the intended role, function, or purpose. For instance, "serve a purpose" indicates utility, while "serve a meal" implies providing food.

Common error

Avoid using "serve a" with vague nouns that don't clearly define the action or contribution. Instead of "serve a something", specify what is being served, such as "serve a function" or "serve a need".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve a" functions as a transitive verb followed by an indefinite article and a noun. It introduces the role, function, or purpose that something or someone fulfills, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serve a" is a versatile construction used to indicate the role, function, or purpose of something. It is grammatically correct and very common in various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in scientific and general writing. To ensure clarity, avoid using it with vague nouns. Consider alternatives like "provide a" or "fulfill a" depending on the context. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide a

Focuses on the act of supplying or making something available.

offer a

Emphasizes the act of presenting something for acceptance or rejection.

fulfill a

Highlights the completion or satisfaction of a requirement or need.

contribute to a

Stresses the act of giving or supplying something as a part or share.

perform a

Emphasizes the execution or carrying out of a task or function.

deliver a

Highlights the act of bringing or conveying something to a specific destination or recipient.

administer a

Focuses on the management or direction of something.

supply a

Emphasizes the provision of something needed or wanted.

meet a

Highlights the satisfaction of a need or requirement.

address a

Focuses on dealing with or handling a problem or issue.

FAQs

How can I use "serve a" in a sentence?

You can use "serve a" to indicate that something fulfills a particular purpose or role. For example, "This technology can "serve a critical role" in improving efficiency".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "serve a"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "provide a", "offer a", or "fulfill a". For instance, instead of "serve a purpose", you might say "fulfill a need".

Is it better to say "serve a purpose" or "fulfill a purpose"?

Both "serve a purpose" and "fulfill a purpose" are grammatically correct. However, "serve a purpose" often implies a more ongoing or inherent function, while "fulfill a purpose" suggests a more specific or completed action.

What does it mean when something is said to "serve a dual purpose"?

When something is said to "serve a dual purpose", it means it fulfills two different functions or roles simultaneously. This implies efficiency or multi-functionality.