serving as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serving as a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a role or function that someone or something fulfills in a particular context. Example: "She is serving as a mentor to the new employees, guiding them through their onboarding process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In other words, serving as a blackmail.

The New York Times

Mr. Borghese contacted the company about serving as a consultant.

The New York Times

In 2004 he began serving as a missionary in Mozambique.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I often end up serving as a coach for patients.

The New York Times - Health

Rat 9, serving as a reference rat, was processed differently.

EJNMMI Research

That said, precise probabilism is serving as a regulative ideal.

SEP

He had been serving as a co-pilot.

BBC

Schneider is now serving as a partner at True Ventures.

TechCrunch

Imagine cellular phones serving as a digital canvas.

TechCrunch

The in vitro stability of HA coatings has been concerned, serving as a long-term application.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The latter is abundant in the sgraffito plaster, serving as a coloring agent.

Construction and Building Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serving as a" to clearly define the role or function of a person, object, or concept within a specific context. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "serving as a" when describing temporary or incidental actions. The phrase implies a more sustained or official capacity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serving as a" functions as a gerund phrase that introduces a noun or noun phrase specifying a role or function. It is commonly used to describe someone's current activity, responsibility, or the purpose of something, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serving as a" is a versatile and frequently used gerund phrase that clearly defines roles or functions. As shown in Ludwig's numerous examples, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it's essential to use it when describing sustained or official capacities, as opposed to temporary actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acting as a

Focuses on the activity or behavior performed.

functioning as a

Emphasizes the operational aspect of the role.

working as a

Highlights the employment or labor aspect.

performing as a

Stresses the execution or delivery of duties.

operating as a

Suggests a process or system is in place.

constituting a

Indicates forming or composing a part of something.

representing a

Implies standing in for or symbolizing something.

fulfilling the role of

Explicitly states the fulfillment of a specific role.

taking on the role of

Highlights the assumption of a new role.

being employed as a

Focuses on the employment aspect of the role.

FAQs

What does "serving as a" mean?

The phrase "serving as a" means to function or act in a particular role or capacity. It indicates that someone or something is performing a specific duty or purpose.

How can I use "serving as a" in a sentence?

You can use "serving as a" to describe the role someone or something plays: "She is "acting as a" mentor", or "This room is "functioning as a" temporary office".

What are some alternatives to "serving as a"?

Alternatives include "acting as a", "functioning as a", "working as a", or "performing as a". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "serving as a" and "serve as a"?

"Serving as a" is a continuous or ongoing action (gerund), while "serve as a" is an infinitive form expressing a general function or purpose. For example, "He is serving as a judge" (current role) vs. "He will serve as a judge" (future role).