serve as a medium

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serve as a medium" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that acts as a conduit or channel for communication, expression, or transmission of information. Example: "The internet serves as a medium for sharing ideas and connecting people across the globe."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

They may also serve as a medium in which food is contained, for example, the velouté sauce of creamed chicken.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nakamoto proposed a digital currency, Bitcoin, that could serve as a medium of exchange without relying on any financial institutions or governments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In modern Japan an alternative name for the Shintō priest is kannushi, which traditionally referred only to a head priest who, through the observance of purificatory practices, had become qualified to serve as a medium for a deity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Being a German website, it's in German, of course, and so best read through Google Translate to discover: "As you know it from Pollesch, the six of his time up botenen actors embody no specific roles, but serve as a medium of a script to which we must slavishly but not keep – including slips, dropouts and stuttering rigueur.

The Guardian

Food processing surfaces can serve as a medium for cross-contamination if sanitization procedures are inadequate.

Food Control

They are called currencies, because all three serve as a medium of exchange in the value network.

European Journal of Futures Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Previously, cloth may have served as a medium of exchange.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Native commercial plants included cotton, tobacco, henequen for its fibre, and cocoa beans, which served as a medium of exchange.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hard and grey as it is, the concrete could be monotonous, but here it serves as a medium for revealing variety.

The Guardian - Arts

In it we argue that social media can play a much larger role in the fundraising process than simply serving as a medium for donations.

The Guardian

In Altay, Khakassia, and western Mongolia, the guttural tones of throat-singing once again served as a medium for epic-narrative performance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serve as a medium", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being conveyed or facilitated. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "serve as a medium" in situations where a more specific verb would provide greater clarity. Vague usage can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve as a medium" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating that something acts as an intermediary or means for conveying, transmitting, or facilitating something else. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, highlighting its role in describing how different entities facilitate various processes or communications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

14%

News & Media

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serve as a medium" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that indicates something functions as an intermediary or facilitator. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides diverse examples of its usage across various contexts, including science, encyclopedias, and news. The phrase tends to be used in neutral to formal registers, emphasizing its descriptive purpose. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in the context and avoid overuse in vague situations. Related alternatives include "act as a channel" and "function as a conduit", offering similar but nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act as a channel

Focuses on the function of conveying something from one point to another.

function as a conduit

Emphasizes the role of facilitating transmission or passage.

work as an instrument

Highlights the use of something as a tool to achieve a specific purpose.

operate as a mechanism

Suggests a more systematic or structured way of facilitating something.

provide a vehicle for

Emphasizes the role of enabling or facilitating movement or progress.

offer a means of

Highlights providing the resources or opportunity to do something.

facilitate the expression

Specifically points to the action of making expression easier.

enable the transmission

Focuses on allowing something to be passed or conveyed.

play a role as facilitator

Focuses on the role of helping something happen.

contribute as a bridge

Highlights connecting two different things or concepts.

FAQs

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

Use "serve as a medium" to describe something that facilitates communication, expression, or transmission, such as "The internet "serves as a medium" for sharing information globally".

What are some alternatives to "serve as a medium"?

You can use alternatives like "act as a channel", "function as a conduit", or "provide a vehicle for" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "service as a medium" instead of "serve as a medium"?

No, the correct phrase is "serve as a medium". "Service" is typically a noun, while "serve" is the verb needed to express the action of functioning as something.

What's the difference between "serve as a medium" and "act as a medium"?

While similar, "serve as a medium" often implies a more formal or designated role, whereas "act as a medium" can suggest a more temporary or ad-hoc function.