to serve the interests of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to serve the interests of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or decisions that are intended to benefit a particular group, individual, or cause. Example: "The new policy was designed to serve the interests of the local community by providing better access to healthcare services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mass deportations, however, were found to serve the interests of the growing empire better than terror.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Legally at least, the News Corporation directors are supposed to serve the interests of all shareholders.

The New York Times

We need more people who genuinely want to serve the interests of their constituents.

The Guardian

The secretary of labor is supposed to serve the interests of working men and women.

The New York Times

I believe that I found the right way, how to serve the interests of Israel".

The New York Times - Magazine

It's not in my job description to serve the interests of any political party.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only those elements likely to serve the interests of minority privilege have been preserved.

The Guardian

On this model, companies exist to serve the interests of shareholders.

Britannica

It's designed to serve the interests of a special class of stakeholders: investors.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Governments presumably institute regulatory systems to serve the interests of the public.

Yale University

She's a tough negotiator, and she's determined to serve the interests of her country, as much as I'm determined to serve the interests of my people; and we need it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs or more specific nouns to enhance the impact and clarity of your message. Instead of "serve the interests", you might use "advance the goals" or "champion the rights" depending on the context.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "to serve the interests of" without specifying whose interests are being served. This can lead to confusion and weaken your argument. Be specific: "to serve the interests of the stakeholders" is better than "to serve the interests."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to serve the interests of" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It typically follows a verb or clause, explaining the reason or intention behind an action. Ludwig confirms its widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to serve the interests of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey the intention of benefiting a specific entity. Ludwig confirms its broad applicability across diverse domains. When employing this phrase, clarity is paramount; explicitly stating the beneficiary prevents ambiguity. While alternatives such as "to benefit" or "to promote the welfare of" exist, the original phrase remains a versatile choice, particularly in formal or professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to benefit

A simpler term, it emphasizes the positive outcome or advantage gained by the entity being served.

to act in favor of

This alternative focuses on the action of supporting or being partial to someone or something.

to work for the benefit of

Highlights the effort and labor put into ensuring a positive outcome for the entity.

to promote the welfare of

This alternative emphasizes the well-being and betterment of the entity being served.

to support the objectives of

Focuses on aiding the achievement of specific goals and aims of an entity.

to advance the cause of

Focuses on supporting a specific cause or objective, rather than general interests.

to be in the service of

Implies dedication and commitment to the entity being served, often in a professional context.

to champion the needs of

Suggests actively advocating for and defending the needs of a particular group.

to uphold the rights of

Emphasizes the protection and defense of the legal or moral entitlements of an entity.

to cater to the demands of

Suggests fulfilling specific requests and requirements of an entity, often in a commercial context.

FAQs

How can I use "to serve the interests of" in a sentence?

You can use "to serve the interests of" to describe actions intended to benefit a particular group or cause. For example: "The new policy was designed to serve the interests of the local community."

What are some alternatives to "to serve the interests of"?

Alternatives include "to benefit", "to promote the welfare of", or "to advance the cause of" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "to serve the interests of" and "to satisfy the needs of"?

"To serve the interests of" implies acting in favor of someone's well-being or advantage, while "to satisfy the needs of" focuses on fulfilling basic requirements. The former is broader, encompassing both needs and aspirations.

Is it better to say "to serve the interests of" or "to represent the interests of"?

"To serve the interests of" means to act in a way that benefits someone, while "to represent the interests of" means to act as their advocate or spokesperson. The best choice depends on whether you are acting on their behalf or simply advocating for them.