serve a term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'serve a term' is correctly used in written English.
This means to fulfill a period of time in a particular position, such as in an elected office, a job, or a service. For example, "John has been elected mayor, and he will serve a term of four years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

If confirmed by the State Senate, she will serve a term expiring in July 2007.

The New York Times

Mr. Semyonov went on to serve a term as minister of agriculture.

The New York Times

He changed his appearance so often that his wife thought he was an unlawful intruder one day and he was arrested and sentenced to serve a term in jail.

The New Yorker

Both the incumbent and his Middle Eastern challenger have in effect offered to serve a term as Fifa president and then deliver their blessing to a Platini succession – if Platini will favour them in the current campaign.

Independent

New Jersey officials said yesterday that the tattoo resembled one Mr. Solly had when he entered the Leesburg State Prison in Maurice River Township, now the Bayside State Prison, in April 1970 to serve a term of 15 to 20 years for murdering the 2-year-old son of a girlfriend in Runnemede, N.J., in 1969.

The New York Times

President Obama, for his part, has the opportunity to nominate the first Democrat to lead the Federal Reserve since President Carter chose Mr. Volcker in 1979 — and the person he selects will serve a term that extends two years beyond his own.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

He is serving a term of 25 years to life.

The New York Times

He served a term as president of the Society of Illustrators.

The New Yorker

In 2009, he served a term as president.

The New York Times

As motion picture editor of The Times, Mr. Weiler served a term as chairman of the New York Film Critics Association.

The New York Times

He had been arrested for that and had served a term in Bronx County.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone's period in a specific role, use "serve a term" to clearly indicate their time in that position, especially in formal contexts. For example, "The president will serve a term of four years."

Common error

Avoid using "serve a term" when referring to general periods of time or academic semesters. "Term" in this context specifically refers to a designated period in a particular role or office.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve a term" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the fulfillment of a designated period in a specific role or position. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct expression used to describe the duration of service, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serve a term" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that means to fulfill a designated period in a specific role. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While "serve a term" appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources, it is suitable for various contexts, maintaining a generally neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the completion of a set duration in a particular position and is not confused with other time-related concepts. Alternatives like ""complete a term"" or "fulfill a term" can provide nuanced options based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fulfill a term

Replaces "serve" with "fulfill", emphasizing the completion of the term.

complete a term

Similar to "fulfill a term", focuses on finishing the designated period.

hold office for a term

Specifies the context as holding an office.

occupy a position for a term

More broadly applicable than "hold office", covering various roles.

be in office for a duration

Rephrases the concept using "be in office" and "duration" instead of "term".

undertake a tenure

Uses a more formal term, "tenure", to denote the period of service.

preside for a period

Specifically applicable when referring to a presiding role.

be at the helm for a term

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate leadership during a term.

exercise a mandate

Focuses on the authority and responsibility associated with the term.

carry out a stretch in office

Uses more colloquial language, "stretch", to denote the term.

FAQs

How to use "serve a term" in a sentence?

You can use "serve a term" to describe someone fulfilling a designated period in a role, such as "The senator will "complete a term" of six years".

What can I say instead of "serve a term"?

You can use alternatives like "fulfill a term", ""complete a term"", or "hold office for a term depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "serving a term"?

Yes, "serving a term" is the progressive form of "serve a term" and is used to describe someone who is currently in the process of fulfilling their designated period in a role. For example, "She is currently "undertaking a tenure" as mayor".

What's the difference between "serve a term" and "serve a sentence"?

"Serve a term" refers to fulfilling a period in a particular role or office, while "serve a sentence" refers to completing a period of imprisonment or punishment. They are used in completely different contexts.