serving in lieu of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serving in lieu of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that one thing is being used as a substitute for another. Example: "The assistant will be serving in lieu of the manager during her absence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

These forces would serve in lieu of American troops.

The New York Times

Another notable feature of Shandong cuisine are its steamed breads, which often are served in lieu of rice.

Britannica

This idea recently prompted Ms. Fleming to experiment with her beignets, which she serves in lieu of petit fours.

The New York Times - Food

When a party is represented by a representative, the party's representative must be served in lieu of the party.

Cornell University

That includes the corn bread, served in lieu of bread, as well as the jams (raspberry one night, strawberry another) with which it is paired.

The New York Times

In fact, these three are combined into an aggressively gluten-free cracker, served in lieu of bread, with butternut-squash hummus.

The New Yorker

Why not release reports of stops that don't result in arrests or in summonses, which are served in lieu of arrest?

The New York Times

The eating clubs are not under the control of the university, but they serve in lieu of fraternities for Princeton undergraduates.

The New York Times

This program is designed to both accommodate graduated MFAs or serve in lieu of a traditional MFA program in an orthodox art academy.

Harvard University

From the first bite of the pungent paratha, served, in lieu of bread, with a curry-rich dipping sauce, the food's complex flavors may reduce the most talkative diners to monosyllabic expressions of bliss.

The New Yorker

The President may authorize any such person to receive the compensation attached to the Office in respect of which that person so serves, in lieu of other compensation from the United States.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serving in lieu of" when you want to clearly indicate that one thing is acting as a direct substitute for another, especially in formal or official contexts. Ensure the substitution is appropriate and logical within the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "serving in lieu of" in very informal contexts. Simpler alternatives like "instead of" or "in place of" might be more appropriate for casual conversation or informal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serving in lieu of" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating substitution. It modifies a verb, specifying that an action or role is being carried out as a replacement for something else. Ludwig provides examples showing its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serving in lieu of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates substitution. Ludwig AI validates its use across various formal contexts, including news, academia, and science. While versatile, it’s important to consider the formality of the situation, opting for simpler alternatives like "instead of" or "in place of" in casual settings. Understanding the nuances of "serving in lieu of" ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in place of

A more concise way to express substitution.

working in lieu of

Similar to "serving in lieu of", but often implies a job or task.

acting as a substitute for

Emphasizes the role of replacement and temporary action.

in substitution for

A more formal way of saying in place of.

functioning instead of

Highlights the operational aspect of replacing one function with another.

as a replacement for

Directly indicates that something is being used to take the place of something else.

as an alternative to

Focuses on the choice between two options.

being used instead of

Directly states the act of using something in place of another.

serving as a proxy for

Implies that something is representing something else, often with limited authority.

replacing

A single word that captures the essence of substitution.

FAQs

How can I use "serving in lieu of" in a sentence?

You can use "serving in lieu of" to indicate that one thing is acting as a substitute for another. For example, "The assistant will be "acting as a substitute for" the manager during her absence."

What's a simpler way to say "serving in lieu of"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative, consider using phrases like "in place of" or "instead of".

Is "serving in lieu of" appropriate for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "serving in lieu of" can sound formal. In more casual writing, alternatives like "as a replacement for" or simply "replacing" might be better choices.

What is the difference between "serving in lieu of" and "acting as a proxy for"?

"Serving in lieu of" implies a direct substitution, while "serving as a proxy for" suggests representation, often with limitations. A proxy acts on behalf of someone, but doesn't necessarily replace them entirely.