serve vs service
Definitions
verb
- do military service
- spend time in prison or in a labor camp
- serve a purpose, role, or function
- provide (usually but not necessarily food)
- be used by; as of a utility
noun
- (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play
Examples
A little pyrotechnics display tacked on just serves to emphasise its lack of cutting edge.
Serve the chicken with salads and chips or potatoes.
There will always be debate about who deserves honours, all of it highly subjective.
Definitions
noun
- a means of serving
- periodic maintenance on a car or machine
- the act of mating by male animals
- the act of public worship following prescribed rules
- (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play
verb
- be used by; as of a utility
- make fit for use
- mate with
Examples
The net result of all these changes is that schools should be able to deliver a better service to pupils.
Mr Smith said the department's own funds, which have bankrolled major improvements in the naval service, had been well tapped and it was now time to explore new ways of funding.
The committee will publish their report on the health service in a few weeks.
