to be serviced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be serviced" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to mean that something needs maintenance or attention (e.g. a car needs to be serviced). Example sentence: The brakes in my car need to be serviced.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Swimming pools need to be serviced to avoid algae problems.

The New York Times

The platforms to be serviced are assumed to be made of elementary units (EUs).

Acta Astronautica

These are machines that need to be serviced, sometimes every year".

The New York Times - Tech

It is self-perpetuating: multilaterals have to keep lending in order for debts to be serviced.

The Guardian

Mechanical watches have to be serviced regularly, preferably every four to five years.

The New York Times

Other mechanical devices that were submerged will have to be serviced as well.

The New York Times

The fan clearly needs to be serviced to stop the vibration, but nothing gets done.

The New York Times

That's a large market to be serviced and one that still includes many, if not most, current teenagers.

The New York Times

Audiences go to the movies hoping to be serviced -- amused or thrilled or scared -- in fairly specific, familiar ways.

The New York Times

Instead you have to drive your car to be serviced, then you need another ride to get to the station".

The New York Times

The acquisitions had been funded mainly by loans, which, in theory at least, were to be serviced from rental income.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing technical documentation, use "to be serviced" to clearly indicate that a component or system requires routine maintenance or repair to ensure proper functioning. For instance: 'The air conditioning unit needs "to be serviced" annually to maintain optimal performance.'

Common error

Avoid using "to be serviced" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like 'needs fixing' or 'needs checking' to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be serviced" functions as a passive infinitive, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be serviced" is a common and grammatically correct passive infinitive used to express the need for maintenance, repair, or attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds frequent use in neutral to professional contexts such as news articles, scientific publications, and technical documentation. While versatile, it's best to avoid it in very informal settings, opting for simpler alternatives. Remember that "to be serviced" focuses on the action being performed on the subject, highlighting its need for care to ensure proper function or upkeep.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to undergo servicing

More formal and emphasizes the process of being serviced.

to receive maintenance

Similar to 'undergo servicing' but focuses on the reception of the service.

to require maintenance

Focuses specifically on the need for upkeep and repair.

to be maintained

Highlights the ongoing need for upkeep to prevent issues.

to need attention

Implies a general requirement for focus or care, less specific than "serviced".

to require upkeep

Stresses the necessity of keeping something in good condition.

to be repaired

Emphasizes fixing something that is already broken or malfunctioning.

to be checked

Implies a need for inspection and potential servicing if issues are found.

to be inspected

Focuses on the evaluation aspect, ensuring it meets standards.

to be looked after

A broader term suggesting care and attention, not necessarily technical servicing.

FAQs

How can I use "to be serviced" in a sentence?

You can use "to be serviced" to indicate that something requires maintenance or repair, as in 'The equipment needs "to be serviced" regularly'.

What are some alternatives to "to be serviced"?

Alternatives include "to require maintenance", "to need attention", or "to undergo servicing", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "needs to be service" instead of "to be serviced"?

No, the correct phrasing is "needs "to be serviced"". "Service" is a noun or a verb, but in this passive construction, "serviced" (past participle) is needed.

What is the difference between "to be serviced" and "to be maintained"?

"To be serviced" implies a specific action of maintenance or repair, while "to be maintained" suggests ongoing care to keep something in good condition. For example, a car needs "to be serviced", while a garden needs "to be maintained".