serves the purpose of

USAGE SUMMARY

"serves the purpose of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe why something exists or why someone does something. For example, "Strict regulations serve the purpose of preventing unsafe practices in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He also serves the purpose of making everyone else look really responsible.

Independent

Robyn Morgan proposed "bus tickets, receipts, loo paper – anything will do" if it serves the purpose of avoiding the folding.

The Guardian - Books

Mrs. Clinton responded that drawing Islam into the equation "actually serves the purpose of the radical jihadists".

The New York Times

This tool, also used for hunting food, serves the purpose of stabbing the other violently with genetic material.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet it serves the purpose of slowing your pace as you move toward the galleries, prodding you to leave outside distractions behind.

The New York Times - Arts

At the moment the film serves the purpose of encouraging us by demonstrating the immense effect of our artillery and the cool courage of our infantry.

The Guardian

Tables1 and2 serves the purpose of demonstrating the DCF analysis.

Environmental Systems Research

And it is this nominal self or person that serves the purpose of moral agent.

SEP

The overload frame serves the purpose of extending the interframe space to handle overload conditions.  .

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

In other words, the artwork serves the purpose of "making us feel essential in relation to the world".

SEP

First, it serves the purpose of restoring wrongdoers to full moral agency even in the absence of the victim's forgiveness.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serves the purpose of" when you want to clearly state the intended function or goal of something. It's best suited for formal writing where clarity and precision are important.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "serves the purpose of" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is for" or "helps to" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serves the purpose of" functions as a connector that establishes a cause-and-effect relationship by explaining the reason or intention behind something. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in diverse contexts. As supported by Ludwig AI, this connector is deemed correct and acceptable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serves the purpose of" is a versatile phrase used to articulate the intention or function behind something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its frequent appearance in scientific, news, and formal business contexts suggests a broad applicability, though it's important to consider that the slightly formal tone may not be suitable for all situations. Remember to leverage the suggested alternatives, such as "functions as" or "is intended to", to maintain variety and stylistic appropriateness in your writing. By understanding its nuances and contexts, you can effectively use "serves the purpose of" to enhance the clarity and precision of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functions as

This alternative focuses on the role or operation of something, rather than its intended aim.

is intended to

This alternative highlights the intended outcome or goal, emphasizing the plan or design.

aims to

This alternative emphasizes the goal or objective, suggesting a direct intent.

is designed to

This alternative focuses on the deliberate creation or planning of something for a specific reason.

fulfills the role of

This alternative emphasizes the action of completing a specific task or function.

has the function of

This alternative is a more formal way to describe the specific task or duty something performs.

contributes to

This alternative focuses on how something helps or adds to a larger goal or process.

is used for

This alternative is a straightforward way of stating the utility or application of something.

is meant to

This alternative highlights the intended use or expectation associated with something.

works to

This alternative emphasizes the effort or activity involved in achieving a specific outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "serves the purpose of" in a sentence?

You can use "serves the purpose of" to explain the function or intention behind something. For instance, "The new policy "is intended to" improve employee morale" or "This tool "is used for" data analysis".

What are some alternatives to "serves the purpose of"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "functions as", "is intended to", "aims to", or "is designed to". These alternatives offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

Is it better to use "serves the purpose of" or a more concise alternative?

While "serves the purpose of" is grammatically correct, it can sometimes be wordy. In many cases, a more concise alternative like "aims to" or "is for" can be more effective, especially in informal contexts. The best choice depends on the desired tone and clarity.

Can "serves the purpose of" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, but it's generally more appropriate for formal writing due to its slightly elevated tone. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives are often preferred. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use "serves the purpose of".