service of doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "service of doing" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts discussing the act of providing a service, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "The service of doing laundry for others can be quite profitable."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

My role is to make film, not to use cinema in the service of doing something else.

The New York Times

Hour after hour, that was what infused his anecdotes, his policy rambles, his assessments of the political landscape: toughness in the service of doing good.

The New Yorker

"That was my thought that caused me to suggest the idea … in a way it's a form of national service, of doing something for society in a way in which anyone unless they are physically disabled can participate".

The Guardian

I think understanding that all things can't be sacrificed on the altar of academic career and physics has been really important, and understanding that that balance is not just for my own sake, but is in fact really in some sense in service of doing the physics.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"University researchers are encouraged to immediately earn money using this equipment, that is, to offer services instead of doing research.

Science Magazine

How can they underwrite these hot new issues, which fuel the on-line frenzy, and still support the old full-service way of doing business?

Forbes

She found the service's policy of doing background checks reassuring.

The New York Times

"Providing a quality service is a cost of doing business".

Los Angeles Times

"Twitter is endangering the world and breaking its own terms of service to do it.

Huffington Post

What you've learned is that true love never changes, and neither does the service of John "Tesco doesn't give you real tears" Lewis.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Awareness of extended pharmacy services was low, although knowledge of services did not result in service uptake.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "service of doing", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose or beneficiary of the action to avoid ambiguity. For example, "the service of doing research" is clearer than simply "the service of doing".

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "service of doing" in your writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound awkward and less professional than more direct alternatives like "providing services" or "serving".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "service of doing" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It typically describes an activity or action that provides a benefit or fulfills a need. While Ludwig AI states that the phrase is not standard, examples show its presence in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "service of doing" refers to the act of providing assistance through a particular action. Although it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, Ludwig AI points out that it is not a standard phrase in English writing, suggesting that it might cause confusion and that is why it is not so frequently used.

While grammatically acceptable, "service of doing" can often be replaced with clearer and more concise alternatives such as "providing services" or ""performing a service"". When using the phrase, ensure clarity and context to avoid ambiguity. Therefore, ensure clarity and avoid overuse to maintain a polished and professional tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act of serving

Focuses on the action, replacing "doing" with "serving".

performing a service

Replaces the nominalized "service" with a verb and clarifies the action.

providing a service

Similar to "performing a service" but emphasizes delivery.

function of serving

Shifts the emphasis to the role or function of service.

the work of serving

Emphasizes the labor involved in service.

the task of performing

Highlights the specific duty or task.

the activity of serving

Focuses on service as a continuous action or process.

mission of serving

Implies a dedicated or purposeful act of service.

role in serving

Highlights the part someone plays in providing service.

contribution through action

Broadens the scope to include any positive impact made through active involvement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "service of doing" for clarity?

Consider using phrases like "providing services", "performing a service", or specifying the action, such as "service of conducting research" for better clarity. Replace it with a simpler phrase like "act of serving".

Is "service of doing" always appropriate in formal writing?

While grammatically acceptable, "service of doing" may sound less polished in formal contexts. Opt for stronger verbs or more specific nouns to enhance professionalism. Try "performing a service" instead.

What is the difference between "service of doing" and "providing a service"?

"Service of doing" is a more abstract phrase, while "providing a service" is more direct and action-oriented. The latter is generally preferred for its clarity and conciseness. Therefore, use "providing a service".

When is it acceptable to use "service of doing"?

It's acceptable when you want to emphasize the role or function that a specific action plays in delivering a service. However, ensure the context is clear and the phrase doesn't sound redundant. Think whether "act of serving" is a good substitute.