services: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral; formal in business/technical contexts; informal in everyday use.
Quick answer
What does “services” mean?
The action of helping or doing work for someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action of helping or doing work for someone; systems supplying public needs (e.g., transport, utilities); a religious ceremony; or the armed forces.
Often refers to intangible economic activities (vs. goods), professional assistance (e.g., consulting), or the provision of maintenance/repair. Can denote the performance of duties (military/civil service).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK: 'services' often refers to motorway service stations. US: less common in that context. UK: 'the services' = armed forces. US: 'the military' or 'armed services'.
Connotations
UK: public services (NHS, BBC) carry strong civic connotations. US: more associated with private sector/business services.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in US business English ('financial services', 'customer service').
Grammar
How to Use “services” in a Sentence
provide [someone] with servicesoffer services to [someone]services include [noun/gerund]services are available [prepositional phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “services” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The motorway services were unusually clean.
- She works in financial services in the City.
American English
- The services sector accounts for over 80% of GDP.
- He joined the armed services after college.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Our company offers a full suite of digital marketing services.
Academic
The study evaluated the impact of privatising public services.
Everyday
I need to check if my mobile provider's services are down.
Technical
The application depends on several backend microservices.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “services”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “services”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “services”
- Using singular verb with plural 'services' (e.g., 'The services is expensive' → 'are expensive').
- Omitting article when needed: 'We offer services' (correct) vs. 'We offer the services' (only if specified).
- Confusing 'services' (work done) with 'service' (a single act/event).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it is commonly plural when referring to multiple offerings or systems (e.g., 'financial services', 'public services'). The singular 'service' refers to a single act or system.
'Services' often imply activities or assistance provided (e.g., consulting, repairs). 'Facilities' refer to physical places or equipment (e.g., gym, laboratory).
Yes, but usually as 'service' (singular), e.g., 'church service'. The plural 'services' might refer to multiple events: 'The cathedral holds three services on Sunday.'
The singular treats the business as a single entity or system providing a type of work. The plural ('ABC Cleaning Services') emphasises the range of specific tasks or offerings.
The action of helping or doing work for someone.
Services is usually neutral; formal in business/technical contexts; informal in everyday use. in register.
Services: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɜː.vɪ.sɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɝː.vɪ.sɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “at your service”
- “render a service”
- “do someone a service”
- “out of service”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SERVICES: Someone Expertly Responds, Values, Improves, Cares, Ensures Satisfaction.
Conceptual Metaphor
SERVICES ARE PRODUCTS ('deliver services', 'service portfolio'); SERVICES ARE PATHS ('access to services', 'pathway to services').
Practice
Quiz
In British English, 'services' can specifically refer to: