serve to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'serve to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean that something has a purpose or a function. For example: Her words served to inspire us to do better.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

second serve to break.

The New York Times

It will serve to make them better.

Independent

Djokovic will serve to open the final.

The New York Times

Both types serve to hold food items.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Berdych will serve to open the second.

The New York Times

King won her serve to trail 3-5.

The New York Times

She hopes memorials serve to caution drivers.

The New York Times

Ebola should serve to accelerate this change".

The Guardian

Some songs with build serve to inspire.

The Guardian - Music

The tour will serve to do that.

The Guardian

Communication issues can serve to exclude people.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serve to" when you want to clearly indicate the purpose or function of something. It is particularly useful in formal writing to explain the role or utility of a particular action, object, or concept.

Common error

While "serve to" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted, especially in informal contexts. Consider using simpler alternatives like "help" or "assist" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve to" functions as a purpose connector, linking an action or object to its intended result or function. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It is employed to explain the role or utility of something in achieving a specific outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serve to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as a purpose connector, clearly linking an action or object to its intended result. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is versatile, though predominantly found in neutral to formal registers, notably within scientific, news, and business contexts. While it's beneficial for clearly stating the purpose, it's essential to balance its use to avoid sounding overly formal, especially in informal communication. When aiming for a simpler, less formal tone, alternatives such as "help to" or "assist to" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

function to

Emphasizes the specific role or task that something performs; slightly more formal.

act as

Highlights the role or capacity in which something is operating; more general.

help to

Focuses on assistance or contribution towards a goal; less formal.

contribute to

Suggests a partial influence or impact; slightly more formal.

be used to

Highlights the intended application of something; neutral in tone.

aim to

Focuses on the intended goal or objective; implies intention.

work to

Implies effort or action towards a specific end; less formal.

be designed to

Emphasizes the intentional creation for a specific purpose; slightly more formal.

offer assistance to

More formal and specific, highlighting the provision of aid.

provide for

Indicates a provision or supply for a particular need or situation; slightly more formal.

FAQs

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

Use "serve to" to indicate the purpose or function of something. For example, "The new regulations "serve to" protect consumers."

What can I say instead of "serve to"?

You can use alternatives like "function to", "help to", or "be used to" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "serve to" in writing?

While grammatically correct, "serve to" may sound overly formal in some contexts. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use it. Simpler alternatives might be more suitable for informal settings.

What's the difference between "serve to" and "help to"?

"Serve to" often implies a more official or intended function, whereas "help to" suggests a more general assistance or contribution. For example, "The new law "serves to" clarify existing regulations," versus, "The volunteer work "helps to" improve the community."