serving
B1Neutral. Common in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in culinary, sports, and service-related discussions.
Definition
Meaning
The act of giving food or drink to someone; a portion of food for one person.
The act of performing duties or providing a useful function; the period during which someone holds a position or fulfills a role.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, primarily relates to food portion or the act of providing service. As an adjective, describes suitability for a purpose (e.g., 'serving spoon') or currently performing a role ('serving officer'). The gerund form of the verb 'to serve'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The noun for a portion of food is standard in both. In tennis/volleyball, 'serve' is the standard term for the action, not 'serving' as the act. The adjective usage ('serving officer') is equally common.
Connotations
Identical. No significant cultural or connotative differences.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English in contexts like 'serving suggestion' on food packaging, but the difference is marginal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[adj] serving [noun] (e.g., serving officer)[noun] of [noun] (e.g., a serving of pasta)during his/her serving (as...)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Serving two masters (trying to satisfy two conflicting priorities)”
- “Serving time (being in prison)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the provision of a service to clients or the duration of a contract.
Academic
Used in social/political studies to discuss terms of service or roles (e.g., 'serving president').
Everyday
Overwhelmingly used for food portions and in sports (tennis, volleyball).
Technical
In computing/networking, can refer to the process of delivering data or web pages.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She is currently serving on the parish council.
- He will be serving the starter shortly.
American English
- She is serving a life sentence.
- The mayor is serving his second term.
adverb
British English
- This form is for officially serving notice. (rare, as part of phrasal verb)
American English
- He was caught serving underage. (rare, as part of phrasal verb)
adjective
British English
- Pass me the serving spoon, please.
- A serving police officer cannot take part.
American English
- Use a clean serving tray for the appetizers.
- The serving size is printed on the label.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- One serving of fruit is good for you.
- The waiter is serving the food.
- This cake provides eight servings.
- Her tennis serving has improved a lot.
- The recommended serving size is often smaller than people think.
- He completed his serving as ambassador in 2020.
- The algorithm is responsible for serving targeted ads to users.
- Her longstanding serving on the committee was recognised with an award.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a waiter SERVing you ING a meal – that's your SERVING.
Conceptual Metaphor
SERVING IS DISTRIBUTING/PROVIDING (applies to food, justice, data, etc.)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'сервировкой' (table setting). 'Serving' – это порция, а 'serving the ball' – подача мяча. Прилагательное 'serving' (serving soldier) переводится как 'действующий', а не 'служивый'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'serving' to mean 'service' in general (e.g., 'The restaurant's serving was excellent' – better: 'service'). Confusing 'serving' (portion) with 'serve' (the act in sports).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'serving' used as an adjective describing a tool?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are often interchangeable for food. 'Serving' often implies a measured or suggested amount (e.g., on a nutrition label), while 'portion' is more general for any amount of food on a plate.
Yes, though less common than for food. You can say 'a serving of wine' (usually meaning a standard glass), but 'a drink' or 'a glass' is more natural.
No. Its core meaning is food-related, but it extends to sports (the act of serving a ball), holding a position ('serving as mayor'), and providing a function ('serving a purpose').
It typically comes before a noun and means 'used for serving' (serving dish) or 'currently performing duties' (serving officer). Ensure it is not confused with the present participle of the verb.