serve that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serve that" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a request or command, but without additional context, it is unclear when it could be used. Example: "Please serve that dish to the guests."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Does MLS serve that purpose?

The Guardian - Sport

Gas rationing would certainly serve that purpose.

The New York Times

We both didn't serve that well today".

The New York Times - Sports

But making art can serve that purpose for professionals too.

The New York Times - Arts

I don't think he will serve that long.

The New Yorker

He can serve that function as well as the C.E.O.

The New York Times

Creating more civil defense forces would also serve that purpose.

The New York Times

"When do I serve that thing?" my wife says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Any Detroit bailout has to serve that goal.

The New York Times

Maybe it does serve that purpose on some level.

The New York Times - Arts

What a nerveless way to serve that out.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure clarity by specifying what "that" refers to when using "serve that". Provide context to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Serve that dish hot" clarifies the instruction.

Common error

Avoid using "serve that" without a clear antecedent for "that". This can confuse readers. Instead of "Serve that", specify "Serve the appetizer" or "Serve the main course".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve that" primarily functions as a directive, where "serve" acts as a verb instructing an action, and "that" serves as a demonstrative pronoun referring to a previously mentioned or understood object or concept. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase needs a specific context to be correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serve that" is commonly used, but as Ludwig AI's analysis indicates, it's often grammatically questionable due to a lack of clear context. While prevalent in various domains like News & Media, Science, and Wiki, its effectiveness relies on the presence of a clear referent for "that". For improved clarity, it's best to specify what "that" refers to. Alternatives such as "provide that", "deliver that", or "offer that" may be more precise depending on the intended meaning. Despite its frequency, attention to context is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide that

Focuses on the act of supplying or making something available.

deliver that

Emphasizes the action of bringing something to a specific location or person.

offer that

Highlights the act of presenting something for consideration or acceptance.

supply that

Stresses the provision of something needed or wanted.

furnish that

Suggests providing something necessary or useful.

administer that

Implies managing or dispensing something formally.

carry that out

Focuses on executing or performing a specific task or duty.

fulfill that

Emphasizes the completion or satisfaction of a requirement or promise.

accomplish that

Highlights achieving a specific goal or objective.

achieve that

Focuses on successfully reaching a desired outcome or result.

FAQs

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

To use "serve that" correctly, ensure a clear referent for "that" is established. For example, after mentioning a specific dish, you can then say, "Now, serve that /s/dish to the guests".

What are some alternatives to using "serve that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "provide that", "deliver that", or "offer that".

Is "serve that" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "serve that" lacks precision without context. It's better to specify what "that" refers to for clarity. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase may need additional context.

What's the difference between "serve that" and "serve it"?

"Serve that" implies a specific item previously mentioned or understood, while "serve it" refers to something already known within the immediate context. The choice depends on whether the referent needs specific emphasis.