this serves to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this serves to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the purpose or function of something in a sentence. Example: "This serves to clarify the main objectives of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This serves to legitimise FN ideas, party members argue.

The Guardian

Somehow this serves to add insult to injury.

The Guardian - Opinion

And this serves to hide (on both sides) a fundamental dishonesty.

The Guardian - Books

All this serves to fuel a devastating misunderstanding of the very nature of these crimes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This serves to remove the disincentives to donation," Dr. Lavee says.

The New York Times

All of this serves to energize the larger vision -- a war between the reptilian id and the technorational ego.

The New York Times - Arts

All of this serves to demonstrate that you can never know where you are going with Neil Jordan.

The Guardian - Books

This serves to reinforce the growth of an ecosystem.

TechCrunch

This serves to increase the density of islands of lead atoms, promoting lead film growth.

Electrochimica Acta

This serves to decrease the carbody first-order bending frequency and increase the transmissibility.

Journal of Modern Transportation

Thus, this serves to enhance the local immune function of the VECs.

AMB Express

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this serves to" when you want to clearly and directly state the purpose of something. It's a concise way to explain the function or role of a specific element or action within a broader context.

Common error

Avoid using "this serves to" excessively in informal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual communication. Opt for simpler alternatives like "this helps" or "this is for" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this serves to" functions as a purpose connector, explicitly stating the intention or role of a preceding action or element. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this serves to" is a versatile phrase used to explicitly state the purpose or function of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various domains, particularly in scientific and news contexts. While grammatically sound, remember that its formal tone may not always be suitable for informal communication. By using alternatives such as "this helps to" or "this aims to" in less formal settings, you can ensure your writing remains clear and appropriate for your audience. The phrase is a purpose connector that aids in making the intention behind an action or design clear to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is designed to

Focuses on the intended purpose or function of something, implying a deliberate design.

this functions as

Highlights the role or operation of something within a system or process.

this aims to

Emphasizes the intended goal or objective of an action or process.

this helps to

Indicates that something provides assistance or contributes to a desired outcome.

this contributes to

Suggests that something adds to or plays a part in achieving a specific result.

this facilitates

Implies that something makes a process or action easier or more likely to happen.

this enables

Highlights the capacity or possibility that something provides.

this allows for

Indicates that something creates the conditions for a particular action or event.

this is intended to

Highlights the planned or expected use of something.

this has the effect of

Focuses on the actual outcome or consequence of something.

FAQs

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

Use "this serves to" to explain the purpose or function of something. For example, "This policy serves to protect employee rights."

What are some alternatives to "this serves to"?

You can use alternatives like "this helps to", "this aims to", or "this functions as" depending on the context.

Is "this serves to" formal or informal?

"This serves to" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "this serves to" and "this helps to"?

"This serves to" directly indicates a purpose or intended function, while "this helps to" suggests assistance or contribution toward a broader goal. The former is more definitive in stating purpose.