to make it serve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make it serve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the purpose or function of something, indicating that you want to utilize it for a specific goal. Example: "We need to find a way to make it serve our needs more effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Kennedy proposes to make it serve.

The New Yorker

The salsa is almost essential to create a perfect balance, but if you don't have time to make it, serve the nests with a lemon wedge instead, though it won't be the same.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This points to the main weakness of the book, which is that its impressive erudition is not sufficiently ordered, filtered and edited to make it serve the central argument.

The Guardian - Books

And you can be the first generation to master it, to make it serve you, instead of the other way around.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He was just at the age to seize upon one word and make it serve for all sorts of conversation.

The New Yorker

If you don't have time to make it, then serve with crostini or shop-bought lavosh instead.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His ambition was to fix capitalism, to reform it to make it better serve more Americans.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you want to make it fancy, serve in a glass cup with a mini umbrella.

WikiHow

We had to pick up stoves for the kitchens, mechanical ware for the mechanics, food, practically everything to suffice, to make it self-serving.

Huffington Post

The volunteers work to make it peasant and serve edible food.

The Guardian - Opinion

In order to make it easy to serve, this mixture gets rolled into a baseball-size ball and coated with ground nuts or herbs.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to make it serve", ensure that the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, 'to make technology serve humanity's needs' is more precise than 'to make it serve'.

Common error

Avoid using "to make it serve" in contexts where a more specific verb would be more appropriate. For instance, instead of "to make the software serve all purposes", consider "to make the software fulfill all requirements" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make it serve" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It indicates the intention or aim of adapting something ('it') to fulfill a specific role or function. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to make it serve" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose, indicating the intent to adapt something for a specific function. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase. While versatile, its usage frequency is relatively rare, appearing mostly in News & Media contexts. To ensure clarity, specify what 'it' refers to, and consider more precise synonyms in formal settings. Although semantically correct, remember to adapt this phrase to the context, aiming for clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to utilize it effectively

Focuses on efficient use rather than purpose.

to adapt it for use

Emphasizes modification for a specific purpose.

to employ it towards

Highlights the direction of the effort.

to harness it for

Implies controlling and directing its power.

to leverage it to

Suggests using it to gain an advantage.

to put it to use for

Highlights practicality and application.

to make it functional for

Stresses enabling it to function.

to convert it into a tool for

Indicates a transformation process.

to turn it to good account

Emphasizes the positive outcome of using it.

to direct it to the purpose of

Focuses on guiding it towards a specific aim.

FAQs

How can I use "to make it serve" in a sentence?

You can use "to make it serve" to express the purpose of utilizing something for a specific function, such as "We need to find a way "to make it serve" our needs more effectively".

What are some alternatives to "to make it serve"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to utilize it effectively", "to adapt it for use", or "to employ it towards", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "to make it serve" formal or informal?

The phrase "to make it serve" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from a more precise synonym.

What does "to make it serve" imply?

The phrase implies an intention to adapt or utilize something for a specific purpose or function, often suggesting a degree of effort or ingenuity in the process.