that serves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that serves" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has a purpose or function, or fulfills a need. For example, "The soup kitchen provides a warm meal that serves as nourishment for the hungry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Any place that serves good Italian food.

The New York Times

Supposedly, that's a division that serves clients.

The New York Times

We have a mummy that serves fingers.

The New York Times

Think about the scene that serves as the book's centerpiece.

The New Yorker

There is a restaurant at Eataly that serves fish.

The New York Times - Food

The fear of disappointing her is a trap that serves").

The New Yorker

Discovering a place that serves a chicken kneecap is exciting.

The New York Times - Magazine

A blockbuster mentality that serves both writers and readers poorly".

The New Yorker

A pot that serves the whole table is $12.95.

The New York Times - Food

The result is a biography that serves as political history.

The New York Times - Books

"I'm in an organization now that serves my needs".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that serves", ensure the noun it modifies is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "a function that serves", specify "a feature that serves the purpose of data encryption".

Common error

Avoid stringing multiple clauses with "that serves" together. Break down overly complex sentences for clarity. For example, instead of "a system that serves the needs of users that require access to data that serves multiple departments", try "the system meets user needs by providing data access for multiple departments".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that serves" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun. It introduces a clause that describes the purpose or function of the noun it modifies. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to specify the role or utility of something. Examples include "a restaurant that serves fish" or "an organization that serves the community".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that serves" is a versatile phrase used to specify the purpose or function of a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts, making it suitable for a wide range of writing styles. When using "that serves", ensure the noun it modifies is clearly defined and avoid overuse in overly complex sentences. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "that serves" into your writing to provide clarity and specificity. Alternatives include that fulfills, that provides, and that functions as.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that fulfills

Focuses on the act of satisfying a requirement or need.

that provides

Emphasizes the act of supplying or making something available.

that offers

Highlights the act of presenting something for consideration or acceptance.

that functions as

Specifies the role or purpose that something performs.

that is used for

Indicates the intended application or purpose.

that contributes to

Highlights the contribution something makes to a larger outcome.

that benefits

Focuses on the advantages or positive effects something produces.

that facilitates

Emphasizes making an action or process easier.

that supports

Highlights the act of giving assistance or encouragement.

that enables

Focuses on providing the means or opportunity to do something.

FAQs

How to use "that serves" in a sentence?

Use "that serves" to introduce a relative clause describing the purpose or function of a noun. For instance, "This tool has a feature "that serves" to automate the process".

What can I say instead of "that serves"?

You can use alternatives like "that fulfills", "that provides", or "that functions as" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "that serves" or "which serves"?

Both ""that serves"" and "which serves" can be grammatically correct, but "that" is generally preferred in restrictive (essential) clauses, while "which" is used in non-restrictive (additional information) clauses. For example, "The tool that serves this purpose is effective" (essential) vs. "The tool, which serves this purpose, is effective" (additional information).

What's the difference between "that serves" and "that is used for"?

"That serves" implies a designed or intended purpose, whereas "that is used for" simply describes how something is utilized, regardless of its original intention. For example, "a feature that serves to protect data" versus "a feature that is used for backing up data".