serve
To give food or drink to someone, typically in a restaurant or at a meal. It also means to help a customer in a shop or to perform a duty for a person or organization.
Examples
3 of 5The waiter will serve our lunch in a few minutes.
The waiter will serve our lunch in a few minutes.
The government aims to serve the needs of all citizens.
The government aims to serve the needs of all citizens.
Hey, can you serve the drinks while I finish the pizza?
Hey, can you serve the drinks while I finish the pizza?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'server' in a restaurant whose job is to 'serve' you a meal.
Quick Quiz
The restaurant will ____ dinner starting at 6:00 PM.
Correct!
The correct answer is: serve
Examples
The waiter will serve our lunch in a few minutes.
everydayThe waiter will serve our lunch in a few minutes.
The government aims to serve the needs of all citizens.
formalThe government aims to serve the needs of all citizens.
Hey, can you serve the drinks while I finish the pizza?
informalHey, can you serve the drinks while I finish the pizza?
This basic example serves to illustrate the main point of the lesson.
academicThis basic example serves to illustrate the main point of the lesson.
We strive to serve our clients with the highest level of professional care.
businessWe strive to serve our clients with the highest level of professional care.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
first come, first served
the first people to arrive are the first to be helped
serve someone right
to be a deserved punishment for someone
serve time
to spend time in prison
Often Confused With
Service is usually the noun (the act of helping), while serve is the verb (the action itself).
Deserve means to earn something because of your actions, not to provide food or help.
Usage Notes
Use 'serve' when talking about bringing food to a table or helping a customer in a store. It is also used when an object has a specific function, such as 'This box serves as a table.'
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the noun 'service' as a verb (e.g., 'I will service you food' instead of 'I will serve you food').
Memory Tip
Think of a 'server' in a restaurant whose job is to 'serve' you a meal.
Word Origin
From the Old French word 'servir', which comes from the Latin 'servire', meaning 'to be a slave or servant'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, it is polite to serve guests or elderly people before serving yourself.
Quick Quiz
The restaurant will ____ dinner starting at 6:00 PM.
Correct!
The correct answer is: serve
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
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