serves the same purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serves the same purpose" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to explain that two ideas, concepts, or items are the same or can be used interchangeably. For example, "The telephone and the internet both serve the same purpose of communicating with others, even though the technology is different."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Black's ill-served decision to sue the website for a huge sum of money only serves the same purpose.

Huffington Post

Perhaps all the outrage mongering serves the same purpose.

The Guardian - Music

The queen substance in the honeybee serves the same purpose.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Or maybe remembering the old elections with nostalgia serves the same purpose.

The Guardian - Books

Writer says now the tongue of the buckle that joins the reins serves the same purpose.

The New Yorker

Dating, she said, serves the same purpose: "For me, it's about getting out of the house.

The New York Times - Style

The pagoda shape of the kapok tree serves the same purpose: facilitation of the bat's approach.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yogurt serves the same purpose without the heat, but with a nice, cooling creaminess.

The New York Times

It serves the same purpose as a money fund but carries F.D.I.C. insurance and may pay higher rates.

The New York Times

Now they also have a warming drawer, a popular device among many Orthodox Jews, that serves the same purpose.

The New York Times

The decorative detail serves the same purpose, while also offering the mind something to explore while high.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serves the same purpose", ensure that the context clearly defines what that purpose is, leaving no ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "serves the same purpose" without specifying what the purpose actually is. Instead of saying "X serves the same purpose", clarify with "X serves the same purpose as Y: to achieve Z."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serves the same purpose" functions as a connector indicating that two or more distinct entities or actions fulfill the same role or objective. It's used to draw a parallel, showing functional equivalence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

29%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serves the same purpose" is a versatile expression used to indicate that different entities or actions have a shared function or objective. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. It functions as a connector emphasizing functional equivalence, suitable for various contexts, from neutral news reports to formal scientific papers. Its primary purpose is to draw comparisons and highlight similarities between seemingly disparate elements. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, the phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Science domains, indicating its relevance in both objective reporting and analytical contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the purpose being served.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fulfills the same role

Focuses on the functional aspect, highlighting that both elements perform a specific task.

achieves the same goal

Emphasizes the outcome or objective being attained by different means.

has the same function

Highlights the functional equivalence of two or more items.

is equivalent to

Expresses direct equivalence or substitutability.

works in the same way

Underscores the similarity in methodology or process.

is used interchangeably with

Highlights that these items are functionally identical.

is analogous to

Highlights the similarity between two things, generally for explanatory purposes.

functions identically to

Stresses the sameness in operational behaviour.

is a substitute for

Indicates that an element can be replaced by another without a loss of functionality.

mirrors the effect of

Emphasizes that both items have the same resulting impact.

FAQs

What does "serves the same purpose" mean?

The phrase "serves the same purpose" means that two or more things fulfill the same function or achieve the same objective, even if they are different in other ways.

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

You can use "serves the same purpose" to compare two different things that have similar functions. For example, "A hammer and a mallet both "fulfills the same role" of driving objects into surfaces."

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

Some alternatives to "serves the same purpose" include "achieves the same goal", "has the same function", and "is equivalent to".

Is "serving the same purpose" grammatically correct?

Yes, "serving the same purpose" is grammatically correct and can be used as a gerund or part of a continuous verb tense. For instance, "Both technologies are serving the same purpose of enhancing communication."