serve as a snack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serve as a snack" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that can be eaten as a light meal or between meals. Example: "These energy bars are perfect to serve as a snack during your hike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Makes 25 kachori, to serve as a snack.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I also made some much smaller, to serve as a snack with well-chilled ales: Smutty Nose Big A and the imperial-style Dogfish Head 90 Minute.

The New York Times - Food

Your patatas bravas are ready to serve as a snack, or as an alternative spicy side dish!

WikiHow

Justine Pattison; Twitter: @JustinePattison Serve as a snack or as a gorgeous garnish for another dessert.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Serve as a snack or starter, or bulk it up into a main course with some creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables alongside.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Serve as a snack or dessert with tea, coffee, or milk!

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Slices can be layered in sandwiches or lasagna, or served as a snack, topped with a sweet or savory condiment.

The New York Times - Food

Skewered melon with chili, salt and lime juice, served as a snack or part of a larger meal, is as unexpected as it is compulsively edible.

The New York Times

In later years its body served as a snack for pastured horses and its powertrain was swapped out at least twice.

The New York Times

In Burma it is served as a snack, a palate cleanser, a welcome to guests and a stimulant to ward off sleep.

The New York Times - Food

Which particular meal is up to you of course: according to Patel, "in Lahore it is eaten for breakfast; in Punjab, it is served as a snack and in Gujarat is is treated as a main meal".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food items, use "serve as a snack" to clearly indicate the item's intended function for casual consumption between meals. For clarity, specify portion sizes or complementary items that enhance the snacking experience.

Common error

Avoid using "serve as a snack" when the item is clearly intended as a full meal or appetizer. Reserve the phrase for items that are light, easily consumed, and suitable for between-meal enjoyment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve as a snack" functions as a verb phrase indicating the purpose or intended use of something, typically food, as a light meal between regular mealtimes. Ludwig examples demonstrate the phrase's common usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

33%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serve as a snack" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood expression used to describe items, typically food, intended for consumption as a light meal between regular mealtimes. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to wikis and scientific publications. While authoritative sources frequently employ it, alternative phrases like "function as a snack" or "act as a snack" can provide nuanced variations depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

function as a snack

Replaces "serve" with "function", emphasizing the role or purpose of the item as a snack.

act as a snack

Substitutes "serve" with "act", highlighting the behavior or performance of being a snack.

be used as a snack

Changes the phrasing to emphasize the utilization of something as a snack.

be offered as a snack

Highlights the act of providing something specifically to be eaten as a snack.

qualify as a snack

Indicates that something meets the criteria or standards to be considered a snack.

work as a snack

Suggests that something is effective or suitable for use as a snack.

double as a snack

Implies that something has another primary purpose but can also function as a snack.

substitute for a snack

Indicates that something can replace a typical snack.

serve for a light bite

Rephrases "snack" to "light bite", maintaining a similar concept.

be presented as a snack

Focuses on the manner in which something is offered to be eaten as a snack.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is said to "serve as a snack"?

When something is described as "serve as a snack", it means it's suitable to be eaten as a small, light meal between regular mealtimes.

What can I say instead of "serve as a snack"?

You can use alternatives like "function as a snack", "act as a snack", or "be used as a snack" depending on the context.

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

You can use "serve as a snack" in a sentence like: "These energy bars are designed to serve as a convenient snack during your hike".

Is it appropriate to use "serve as a snack" in formal writing?

Yes, "serve as a snack" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing food items in menus, recipes, or nutritional guides.