serve a model

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serve a model" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is referring to the act of providing or presenting a model for others to follow or learn from. Example: "The teacher decided to serve a model of effective communication during the workshop to help the participants understand the concept better."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

His first piece looks at how Spain could serve a model in the global fight against terrorism.

Harvard University

Their structural adjustment policies serve a model of economic governance that transfers risk on to the shoulders of ordinary workers and the young.

The Guardian - Opinion

B. cinerea was chosen to serve a model necrotroph in this study because it has a sequenced genome [ 37], readily sporulates in culture, and causes disease on all tomato varieties tested.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Probabilistic suffix tree (PST) is one of widely used sequence indexing technique which serves a model for prediction.

Journal of Big Data

The Wine Group's plan can serve as a model for how to do that.

Harvard Business Review

Glendale News-Press editorials should serve as a model of thoughtful discourse, and they often do.

Los Angeles Times

Of course designers serve a purpose that models don't.

The New York Times - Arts

California could serve as a model.

The New York Times

Australia should serve as a model for successful reform here.

The Guardian

Maybe it could serve as a model for other intersections.

The Washington Post

Could Europe's privacy laws serve as a model?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serve a model", ensure the context clearly defines what aspects of the subject are exemplary and worthy of emulation. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "serve a model" in vague contexts. Instead of saying 'This project can serve a model', specify what aspects of the project are exemplary, such as 'This project can "serve a model" for sustainable development'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve a model" functions as a predicative expression, where 'serve' acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the noun phrase 'a model'. It indicates that the subject fulfills the role or purpose of being an example for others. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serve a model" is a grammatically correct way to indicate that something provides an example for others to follow. While the frequency of this phrase is relatively rare, it is found in reliable sources, including news media, scientific publications, and academic texts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the construction is sound, and when writing, it's best practice to ensure the context clarifies what specific aspects are exemplary. Alternatives like "act as a template" or "set an example" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act as a template

Changes the verb to 'act' and uses 'template' to emphasize a pattern or guide.

provide a blueprint

Replaces 'model' with 'blueprint' to highlight a detailed plan that can be followed.

set an example

Focuses on the act of demonstrating desirable behavior or qualities.

offer a paradigm

Uses 'paradigm' to suggest a broader, more fundamental example or framework.

be a guide

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize the role of leading or directing.

offer a prototype

Replaces 'model' with 'prototype' to suggest an early version or sample.

furnish an exemplar

Uses a more formal word, 'exemplar', to denote a highly representative example.

present a pattern

Emphasizes the aspect of something offering a recurring arrangement.

constitute a benchmark

Uses 'benchmark' to indicate a standard against which others can be measured.

exemplify

Condenses the phrase to a single verb, highlighting the act of being a good example.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "serves a model"?

When something "serves a model", it means it provides an example or pattern that others can follow or imitate. It suggests that the subject has qualities or characteristics that make it a good standard or reference.

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

You can use "serve a model" to indicate that something is exemplary or worth emulating. For example, 'The company's environmental policies can "serve a model" for other businesses in the industry'.

What are some alternatives to "serve a model"?

Some alternatives include "act as a template", "set an example", or "provide a blueprint". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "serve as a model" or "act as a model"?

Both "serve as a model" and "act as a model" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey. Some may perceive "serve as a model" as slightly more formal.