this can serve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this can serve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has the potential to fulfill a purpose or function in a particular context. Example: "This can serve as a useful reference for future projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This can serve the very poor that swept the new government to power.

The Economist

If nothing else, this can serve as a model of how the two can merge, that you can do both.

The New York Times

This can serve as an example of a disease or a disease trait that renders the affected person more susceptible to illness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are also dual alarms, so this can serve as a clock radio for couples who have to get up at different times.

The New York Times

This can serve as a check against groupthink — and may increase the likelihood the different assumptions that the pollsters might introduce will be thought over and debated.

The New York Times

This can serve as a framework for formulators working with alginates.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

This can serve as a design guide for suction mufflers in terms of the energy efficiency.

Applied Energy

This can serve as a straightforward application to the Hopf bifurcation control of delayed systems with weak non-linearity.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

This can serve as a decision support system to assist medical staff in developing patient treatment procedures.

Journal of Big Data

This can serve as a basis for making analysis of laws governing occurrence of landslide and adoption of countermeasures.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

This can serve as an indication for further research in elucidating the pathology of krait bite induced nephrotoxicity.

Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider replacing "this" with a more specific noun or noun phrase that reflects the subject's true nature.

Common error

Avoid using "this can serve" when the connection between "this" and its referent is unclear. Ambiguous references can confuse readers. Ensure the referent is immediately apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this can serve" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating the potential or capability of something to fulfill a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI shows, it is often used to introduce a possible use or benefit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this can serve" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the potential or capability of something fulfilling a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is particularly prevalent in scientific and news-related contexts, though it can also be found across various other domains. When using this phrase, it is crucial to ensure clarity in referencing what "this" refers to, avoiding vagueness. Consider the provided alternatives to enhance your writing and add nuance when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this may function as

Replaces "can serve" with "may function as", suggesting a possibility rather than a certainty.

this could act as

Substitutes "can serve" with "could act as", conveying a conditional or potential role.

this might be used for

Changes the structure to emphasize the intended use or application.

this has the potential to be

Highlights the inherent potential of something to evolve into a specific state or fulfill a defined role.

this is suitable for

Focuses on the appropriateness or fitness of something for a particular purpose.

this is designed to

Emphasizes the intended design or purpose behind something's creation or modification.

this is capable of being

Highlights the capability of something for performing a specific role.

this allows for

Implies that something creates an opportunity or facilitates a particular action or outcome.

this provides a basis for

Indicates that something offers a foundation or starting point for further development or action.

this facilitates

Highlights something to make an action or process easier.

FAQs

How can I use "this can serve" in a sentence?

Use "this can serve" to indicate that something has the potential or ability to fulfill a particular purpose or function. For example, "This data can serve as a basis for our analysis."

What are some alternatives to "this can serve"?

You can use alternatives like "this may function as", "this could act as", or "this might be used for depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "that can serve" instead of "this can serve"?

Yes, "that can serve" is also correct. "This" typically refers to something nearby or immediately present, while "that" refers to something farther away or previously mentioned. The choice depends on the context.

What is the difference between "this can serve as" and "this serves as"?

"This can serve as" indicates a potential or possible function, while "this serves as" indicates a current or actual function. The first suggests possibility, the second, reality.