that serves as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that serves as" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to indicate the function or purpose of something. For example: - The table in the living room serves as a makeshift desk for my laptop. - The statue in the park serves as a memorial for fallen soldiers. - The blue book on the shelf serves as a reference guide for new employees. - The park serves as a popular picnic spot for families on weekends.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is a flat piece of wood that serves as the base for your super.

WikiHow

It is shipped to the purchaser in a case that serves as a launching tube.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The New Yorker

The result is a biography that serves as political history.

The New York Times - Books

The repressor inactivates a promoter that serves as the output.

Nature

The hourly weather generator that serves as the downscaling tool is briefly presented.

Advances in Water Resources

She gazes into the flame of a candle that serves as the only light source.

The New York Times

He won the corner of the state that serves as the northern dormitory for Boston.

The Economist

It's a cable business-news outlet that serves as a tonic for beleaguered tycoons.

The New York Times

Bladder, membranous sac in animals that serves as the receptacle of a fluid or gas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

CCNE2 encodes a protein similar to cyclin that serves as regulators of cyclin dependent kinase (CDK).

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that serves as", ensure that the noun following "as" clearly and accurately describes the function or purpose you intend to convey. For example, instead of 'that serves as a thing', specify 'that serves as a catalyst'.

Common error

Avoid using "that serves as" with overly general or unclear nouns. For example, instead of saying "that serves as something important", specify the exact importance or role it plays to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that serves as" functions as a relative clause introducing a description of the role, purpose, or function of a noun. Ludwig confirms this through numerous examples demonstrating how it connects a subject with its functional attribute.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that serves as" is a versatile tool for specifying the function or purpose of a subject, and it is grammatically sound as per Ludwig. It finds frequent use across diverse fields like science, news, and encyclopedias, maintaining a generally neutral register. Ludwig's examples highlight its effectiveness in defining roles and functions, while related phrases like "that functions as" and "which acts as" offer nuanced alternatives. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the exact role or function. With its widespread applicability, "that serves as" is an indispensable component of effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that functions as

Focuses on the action or operation performed.

which acts as

Highlights the role or capacity in which something operates.

that works as

Emphasizes the practical application or effectiveness.

that provides the function of

More explicitly states the provision of a service or role.

that fulfills the role of

Stresses the completion or satisfaction of a specific duty.

that constitutes

Indicates that something is equivalent to or forms something else.

that is utilized as

Highlights the act of using something for a specific purpose.

that is employed as

Similar to "utilized", but may imply a more formal or deliberate use.

that operates to

Focuses on the intended action or effect.

that contributes to

Emphasizes the part played in achieving a larger result.

FAQs

How can I use "that serves as" in a sentence?

Use "that serves as" to specify the role or function of something within a sentence. For example, "The library "that serves as" a community hub offers various resources and programs."

What are some alternatives to "that serves as"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that functions as", "which acts as", or "that works as", each emphasizing a different nuance of function or role.

Is it better to use "that serves as" or "which serves as"?

Both "that serves as" and "which serves as" can be grammatically correct depending on the context. "That" is typically used in restrictive clauses (essential to the sentence's meaning), while "which" is used in non-restrictive clauses (adds extra information but isn't essential).

How does the formality of "that serves as" compare to other similar phrases?

The phrase "that serves as" is generally considered neutral in formality. More formal alternatives might include "that fulfills the function of", while less formal options could be "that acts like" or "that works like".