this serves

USAGE SUMMARY

"this serves" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce the consequence of an action, for example: "By choosing a healthy lifestyle, this serves to extend your life expectancy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This serves two objectives.

Advanced Engineering Informatics

This serves several goals.

Harvard University

This serves the story in two ways.

The New York Times - Books

None of this serves U.S. interests.

The New York Times

In many ways, this serves him well.

The New York Times

On set, this serves him well.

The New Yorker

This serves none of the show's purposes.

The New Yorker

None of this serves the public interest.

The New York Times - Magazine

This serves a very few people".

The New York Times

But I don't think this serves any purpose, frankly".

The Guardian - Sport

This serves to legitimise FN ideas, party members argue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this serves", ensure the connection between the subject and its purpose is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Implementing this new software serves to streamline our workflow" is more precise than simply saying "This serves our workflow".

Common error

Avoid using "this serves" excessively in long, convoluted sentences. This can make the sentence cumbersome and harder to understand. Instead, break down the sentence into simpler parts, using more direct verbs to express purpose or function.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this serves" primarily functions as a connector, linking a subject with its purpose or function. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's used to introduce the consequence or aim of an action or object, clarifying its utility, as seen in various examples of Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

27%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this serves" is a versatile connector used to indicate the purpose or function of a subject, clearly explaining how it contributes to a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, suggesting a neutral tone suitable for explaining benefits or uses. When writing, ensure the connection between the subject and its purpose is clear, and avoid overuse in complex sentences. Considering alternatives like "this functions as" can enhance clarity and avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this functions as

Emphasizes the operational role or purpose that something fulfills.

this acts as

Highlights the role or behavior of something in a specific context.

this provides

Focuses on the benefits or resources that something offers.

this contributes to

Indicates how something aids or enhances a particular outcome.

this helps to

Stresses the assistance or support that something gives.

this is used to

Specifies the purpose or application of something.

this aims to

Focuses on the intended goal or objective of something.

this is designed to

Highlights the intentional planning and construction for a specific function.

this is intended to

Emphasizes the planned use or purpose of something.

this facilitates

Suggests that something makes a process or action easier.

FAQs

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

You can use "this serves" to explain the purpose or function of something. For example, "Implementing a new system, "this serves" to improve efficiency".

What are some alternatives to using "this serves"?

Alternatives to "this serves" include phrases like "this functions as", "this acts as", or "this provides", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "this serves as" or simply "this serves"?

Both "this serves as" and "this serves" are grammatically correct, but they carry slightly different meanings. "This serves as" implies that something is acting in a particular role, while "this serves" indicates that something fulfills a specific purpose.

When is it best to use "this serves" in writing?

It is best to use "this serves" when you want to clearly articulate the purpose or function of a subject within a sentence. For example, "Regular maintenance "this serves" to prolong the lifespan of the equipment".