serving in various capacities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serving in various capacities" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you can use the phrase in a sentence such as: "She has been serving in various capacities at the company for 10 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The baroness then somehow rejoined her husband in Africa with the Free French, serving in various capacities including ambulance driver and ending the war as a decorated lieutenant.

The New York Times - Arts

To assist him, he had a "bureaucracy" of only a few hundred in Rome and a few more hundred serving in various capacities in the provinces to direct the lives of some 60 million people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Before serving in various capacities for the State Department beginning in 2003, Brennan worked for Shell Oil as its Manager for Export Sales Business Development in Asia and Latin America, according to his LinkedIn profile.  .

Huffington Post

Assessments were based on the input of experts serving in various capacities in newborn screening programs and on 2002 data provided by the programs of the National Newborn Screening and Genetics Resource Center NNSGRCC).

Genetics in Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Slaves in the Ottoman Empire served in various capacities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He served in various capacities with the Archdiocese of New York under the tutelage of John Cardinal O'Connor.

The New York Times

At the Pentagon, he was promoted to lieutenant general, served in various capacities and retired in 1987.

The New York Times

As well as being one of the original members of this community, he has served in various capacities, including Trustee.

The New York Times

Thereafter she served in various capacities for the order, including working as an aide to Mother Teresa.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Prior to his work at UJA, Stanley served in various capacities at the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland for 18 years, acting as executive director for eight of those years.

The New York Times

He served in various capacities on the regional and national board of directors, and was a life trustee of the Board of Regents and an honorary member of the Technion International Board of Governors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's career or experience, use "serving in various capacities" to illustrate versatility and a wide range of skills.

Common error

While "serving in various capacities" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Opt for more specific descriptions of roles and responsibilities to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serving in various capacities" functions as a verbal phrase that typically acts as part of the predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of performing a duty or holding a position, emphasizing the variety of roles involved, as Ludwig AI confirms. It frequently follows a subject to indicate the scope and diversity of their contributions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serving in various capacities" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies broad experience and versatile contributions. Ludwig AI analysis and real-world examples confirm its common usage across news, encyclopedias, and professional contexts. While acceptable in most formal settings, more specific role descriptions may be preferable for enhanced clarity. Related phrases like "working in different roles" and "undertaking diverse responsibilities" offer alternative ways to express similar meanings. The phrase is a valuable tool for highlighting someone's adaptability and diverse skill set.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operating in different capacities

Similar meaning, but replaces "serving" with "operating".

working in different roles

Emphasizes the action of performing tasks in multiple positions.

holding multiple positions

Focuses on the act of occupying several distinct roles simultaneously.

undertaking diverse responsibilities

Highlights the variety of duties being managed.

performing varied duties

Stresses the execution of different types of tasks.

fulfilling different functions

Emphasizes the act of satisfying multiple requirements or roles.

contributing in numerous ways

Highlights the multiple methods of making a contribution.

engaged in diverse activities

Highlights the engagement in varied tasks or roles.

involved in various tasks

Focuses on being implicated in different undertakings.

functioning in several areas

Emphasizes operating or working across multiple domains.

FAQs

How can I use "serving in various capacities" in a sentence?

You can use "serving in various capacities" to describe someone who has held multiple roles or performed different duties within an organization or field. For instance, "She gained extensive experience "serving in various capacities" within the company."

What are some alternatives to "serving in various capacities"?

Alternatives include "working in different roles", "holding multiple positions", or "undertaking diverse responsibilities". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it better to specify roles instead of saying "serving in various capacities"?

In formal or detailed contexts, specifying the roles (e.g., "She worked as a project manager, lead designer, and marketing strategist") can provide more clarity and impact than the more general phrase ""serving in various capacities"".

Which is more formal: "serving in various capacities" or "performing varied duties"?

"Serving in various capacities" generally sounds slightly more formal than "performing varied duties". However, both are suitable for professional communication.