time in service

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time in service" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the length of time that someone has been employed or serving in a particular position or organization. Example: "John was promoted to manager after five years of exemplary performance and dedication during his time in service at the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"They're passing with more qualifications, less time in service, and they are more likely to have been fast-tracked.

The Guardian

"And all that time in service to Illinois I have never asked for anything in return until today.

The New York Times

It needs to be a collective task, even a unit task that transcends a soldier's time in service, to borrow training phrases from the Army.

The New York Times

Almost everyone will have at least one ancestor who spent time in service, either as domestic help or, in rural communities, as agricultural labourers.

The Guardian

"The suit raises two thorny issues that could affect thousands of Vietnam veterans: Can they be given a diagnosis of PTSD retroactively, to their time in service, though the disorder was not identified until 1980?

The New York Times

As Cameron Stracher, the author of an excellent account of the American running boom, "Kings of the Road," suggests, "Lebow expected the athletes to donate their time in service to the greater good".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

However, most trainees (up to 70%) opt for a part-time "in service" course if they want to teach in the lifelong learning sector, requiring a few hours' attendance each week during term-time.

The Guardian

If Quora power user Semil Shah is currently offering people $100 on Zaarly to answer his Quora question about the most foundational web companies of all time, in-service credits are worth a shot.

TechCrunch

Kindergarten Advisory Inspectorate was established and provided 2-year Part-time In-service training for kindergarten teachers.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

One term is based on the concept that the water-carrying capacity (a principal factor in membrane resistance) of the membrane deteriorates with time-in-service.

Journal of Power Sources

The Social Welfare Department, on the other hand, began Part-time In-service and Full-time Pre-service training for childcare workers in the 1960s.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to someone's "time in service", be specific about the organization or role to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the present tense when referring to a past "time in service". Use past tense to accurately reflect the period of service.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time in service" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig indicates its use to denote a period of employment or commitment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time in service" is a frequently used noun phrase that refers to the duration someone has dedicated to a job, role, or organization. As Ludwig highlights, it's grammatically correct and can be used in various contexts, spanning from professional settings to news reports and scientific articles. Its authoritative sources and varied examples show its consistent application and wide acceptance. Remembering to use the correct tense and providing specific context will ensure clarity when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Service duration

Highlights the length of service provided in a particular role.

Duration of employment

Focuses on the length of time someone has been employed.

Length of tenure

Highlights the period someone held a position or office.

Tour of duty

Specifically refers to a period of service, often in the military.

Period of duty

Emphasizes the time spent performing specific duties or tasks.

Employment period

General term for the time someone is employed.

Active service

Emphasizes the time spent actively engaged in service, especially military.

Years of experience

Quantifies experience based on the number of years in a role.

Time on duty

Focuses on the hours or days spent actively working.

Term of engagement

Refers to the duration of a contractual agreement or commitment.

FAQs

What does the phrase "time in service" mean?

The phrase "time in service" refers to the duration an individual has been employed or has served in a particular role, organization, or institution. It's often used to denote seniority or experience.

How can I use "time in service" in a sentence?

You can use "time in service" to describe an employee's tenure, such as, "After many years of dedicated "service duration", she received a promotion."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "time in service"?

Alternatives to "time in service" include phrases like "duration of employment", "length of tenure", or "years of experience", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to ask about someone's "time in service" in a professional setting?

Yes, it is generally appropriate, especially when discussing experience or qualifications for a role. However, avoid asking if it could lead to discriminatory practices related to age or other protected characteristics.