serves well

USAGE SUMMARY

"serves well" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that is serving its purpose or performing its intended duty. For example, "This new software serves well for managing customer information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

She serves well.

Independent

She always serves well.

The New York Times - Sports

Marin is solid and he serves well".

The Guardian - Sport

By now, the Schenk "Ring" serves well enough for reference.

The New York Times - Arts

That helps against someone like Feli because he serves well.

Independent

It serves well atop bottles of vinegar or soy sauce, too.

The New York Times - Food

"He has played well here, and he serves well," Murray said.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The kitchen serves well-portioned Teutonic favourites such as schnitzel, currywurst and schweinebraten.

The Guardian - Travel

Decorated with bright paint and silks, this elegant restaurant serves well-prepared Thai and Vietnamese dishes, focusing on seafood.

The New York Times - Travel

It serves well-executed international dishes like curried chicken with mixed greens and rib-eye steak with garlic mashed potatoes.

The New York Times

Tosca Café — In the historic Italian neighbourhood of North Beach, Tosca serves well-prepared, simple ingredients.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serves well" to emphasize the successful fulfillment of a specific function or purpose. For instance, "This tool serves well for analyzing complex data sets."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "serves well" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "works great" or "is useful" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serves well" primarily functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating the manner in which something fulfills its purpose or performs its function. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serves well" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something effectively fulfills its intended purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Its primary function is to express the effectiveness or suitability of an action, object, or method. While it is commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business writing, it is advisable to use simpler alternatives in casual conversation. When using "serves well", ensure it accurately reflects the successful fulfillment of a specific function to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fulfills its purpose

Focuses on the accomplishment of the intended goal or function.

is highly effective

Directly states the high level of effectiveness in fulfilling a purpose.

is well-suited

Stresses the appropriateness and compatibility for a given role or situation.

functions effectively

Focuses on the operational aspect, emphasizing how well something performs its function.

is fit for purpose

Emphasizes suitability and appropriateness for a specific task or function.

works efficiently

Highlights the efficiency of the action or object in achieving its intended outcome.

operates successfully

Highlights the successful operation or functioning of something.

performs admirably

Emphasizes the praiseworthy nature of the performance, suggesting it exceeds expectations.

proves beneficial

Indicates that something is advantageous or helpful in a particular situation.

holds up well

Indicates that something withstands challenges or the test of time effectively.

FAQs

How can I use "serves well" in a sentence?

Use "serves well" to indicate that something effectively fulfills its intended purpose, as in, "This strategy "serves well" for achieving our goals."

What are some alternatives to "serves well"?

You can use alternatives like "functions effectively", "is highly effective", or "fulfills its purpose" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "serves well" or "serves good"?

"Serves well" is the grammatically correct and preferred phrasing. "Serves good" is not standard English.

What's the nuance between "serves well" and "is adequate"?

"Serves well" suggests that something is not only sufficient but also effective and appropriate for its purpose, while "is adequate" simply means it meets the minimum requirements.