serve a vs serve to

Both "serve a" and "serve to" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Serve a" is used when referring to serving food or drinks to someone, while "serve to" is used when indicating the purpose or function of something.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 449 views

This phrase is correct when referring to serving food or drinks to someone.

"serve a"

This phrase is used when talking about serving food or drinks to someone. It is commonly used in restaurants, homes, or any setting where food or drinks are being offered.

Examples:

Can you serve a slice of cake to each guest?
I will serve a cup of coffee to everyone in the meeting.
She served a delicious meal to her family.
The waiter served a glass of water to the customer.
He served a plate of appetizers to the guests.

Show examples from the web [+]

This large book should serve a useful purpose. We can use it for a doorstop. See also: purpose, serve. McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal ...
May we choose to serve a righteous cause as valiant emissaries of our Lord Jesus Christ. Play. 13768_000_13mcconkie. I am grateful that we may gather ...
Chicago Cares' Serve-a-thon is all about action. It's about connecting with people . It's about building bridges and meeting critical needs. It's about learning from ...
serve a purpose. Also, serve one's or the purpose. Be useful, meet the needs or requirements, satisfy, as in I don't know why they've added all this information ...

Alternatives:

serve food to
serve drinks to
offer a

This phrase is correct when indicating the purpose or function of something.

"serve to"

This phrase is used to indicate the purpose or function of something. It is commonly used to explain why something exists or what it is meant to do.

Examples:

The meeting room serves to accommodate large groups of people.
The new law serves to protect the environment.
His speech served to inspire the audience.
The study serves to provide valuable insights into the topic.
The website serves to inform the public about current events.

Show examples from the web [+]

The financial covenants are tested quarterly beginning January 31, 1998 and require Solo Serve to maintain specified Interest Coverage Ratios for various ...
(intr; may take an infinitive) to have a use; function: this wood will serve to build a fire. ... 8. to answer the purpose: That will serve to explain my actions. 9.
serve to. star. see definition of serve to. Font size. X. Aa. Aa. Aa. Aa. Aa. show. all, verb. as in tend. prev next. bear. Relevance. Relevance ranks synonyms and ...
He tried to recall some forgotten detail of the business that might serve to occupy him. If a princess cared to serve, she was none the less a princess! To serve ...

Alternatives:

functions as
is meant to
exists to

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

serve a vs serve to

"serve a"

"serve to"

Related Comparisons