service
service — verb
1. 檢查機器、車輛或其他設備，進行必要的修理與保養，使其保持正常運作狀態
檢查機器、車輛或其他設備，進行必要的修理與保養，使其保持正常運作狀態
Rohan took his car to the garage to have it serviced before the long trip.
have [vehicle] serviced — causative passive pattern
The factory equipment needs to be serviced twice a year to prevent breakdowns.
Allison asked the technician to service her old washing machine before it stopped working.
service + domestic appliance — typical object collocation
The heating system in the office building has not been serviced since last winter.
passive: has not been serviced — present perfect passive
Feng learned how to service his own bicycle by watching online videos.
- service a car
- service equipment
- have something serviced
- get the boiler serviced
- neglect
to fail to give necessary care or attention
Grammar Patterns
service + object (vehicle/equipment/machine)
Usage Note
Most common with vehicles and mechanical equipment. Frequently used in passive voice ('has been serviced', 'needs to be serviced'). Also used with domestic appliances like washing machines and heating systems.
Common Mistakes
2. 按期支付貸款的利息與本金，以逐步償還所欠的金額
按期支付貸款的利息與本金，以逐步償還所欠的金額
The company is struggling to service its large debt from the expansion project.
service + debt — fixed financial collocation
Darius set aside money each month to service his student loan.
service + student loan — common in personal finance
The local government raised taxes to service the debt on the new hospital.
If a borrower cannot service the loan, the bank may take back the property.
conditional: cannot service + consequence structure
- service a debt
- service a loan
- service a mortgage
- service the interest payments
- default on
to fail to make required payments on a debt
Grammar Patterns
service + a debt/loan/mortgage
Usage Note
Primarily used in financial and business contexts. The object is always the debt or loan itself, never the lender. Frequently appears with modal verbs and in conditional clauses ('cannot service', 'unable to service').
Common Mistakes
3. 為客戶、顧客或組織提供專業性的工作或協助，滿足其特定需求
為客戶、顧客或組織提供專業性的工作或協助，滿足其特定需求
Samir's IT company services over two hundred small businesses in the area.
service + [number] + [clients] — transitive with quantity
This law firm has been servicing corporate clients for more than thirty years.
has been servicing + duration — present perfect continuous
The cleaning crew services the office building every night after everyone leaves.
The veterinarian agreed to service the animal shelter's pets at a reduced rate.
A single water pipe services all the apartments in this block.
services + all [things] in [location] — supply pattern
- service clients
- service customers
- service an area
- service a building
Grammar Patterns
service + object (clients/area/buildings)
Usage Note
Common in business and professional settings. The subject is typically a company, organization, or utility provider. Can describe both human-provided work (cleaning, legal, IT) and infrastructure functions (pipes, cables serving buildings).
Common Mistakes
4. （交通工具或路線）定期行駛於某條路線，提供乘客或貨物往返特定地點的連結
（交通工具或路線）定期行駛於某條路線，提供乘客或貨物往返特定地點的連結
A new bus route now services the industrial area in the north of the city.
bus route + services + area — transport pattern
The high-speed train line services several small towns between Taipei and Hualien.
This ferry services the islands in the southern chain twice a day.
services + [places] + [frequency] — transport schedule pattern
Mobile phone networks now service most villages in the mountain region.
- service an area
- service a route
- service a community
- service a region
Grammar Patterns
[transport route] + services + [area/destination]
Usage Note
Subject is a transport or communication route (bus line, train, ferry, network). The object is the geographic area or community reached. Frequently combines with frequency expressions ('twice a day', 'every hour').
Common Mistakes
service — noun
1. a system or organization that is funded by taxes or run as a business, offering
a system or organization that is funded by taxes or run as a business, offering something the public needs, like health care, mail delivery, or waste collection.
The local bus service runs every twenty minutes during the week.
countable: a specific transport system
Many people rely on the national health service for free medical treatment.
collocation: national health service
Greta works for the fire service, helping to keep the community safe.
The postal service now delivers packages six days a week in our town.
Hui called the ambulance service when her grandmother fell and hurt her arm.
- public service
- health service
- postal service
- fire service
- ambulance service
- bus service
- rail service
- emergency service
Grammar Patterns
the ~
[adjective] ~
Usage Note
Often used with a preceding adjective or noun to specify the type, e.g. 'health service', 'postal service', 'fire service'.
Common Mistakes
2. the state of a system, machine, or vehicle being available and working correctly
the state of a system, machine, or vehicle being available and working correctly so that people can use it.
The new train line was put into service in March this year.
phrase: put into service
Beatrix was relieved when the water supply was back in service after the maintenance work.
phrase: 'back in service' — operational state restored
That old lift has been out of service for almost two months now.
phrase: out of service
The water supply system has been in service for over forty years without major problems.
Dewi's old fridge remained in service throughout the hot summer without any problems.
phrase: 'remained in service' — continuous operational state
- in service
- out of service
- put into service
- in operation
- return to service
Grammar Patterns
in ~
out of ~
into ~
put into ~
Usage Note
Commonly used in fixed prepositional phrases: 'in service' (working), 'out of service' (not working), 'put into service' (start using).
Common Mistakes
3. a place located beside a main road where drivers can stop to buy fuel, food, dri
a place located beside a main road where drivers can stop to buy fuel, food, drinks, and use the toilets during a long trip.
We stopped at a service station on the highway to fill up with petrol.
collocation: service station
Zola bought a sandwich and a bottle of water at the service area near Birmingham.
The motorway service station had a restaurant, a shop, and clean toilets.
collocation: motorway service station
Sivan missed the last service station and drove another thirty miles on an empty tank.
Most service stations along the interstate are open twenty-four hours a day.
- service station
- motorway services
- rest stop
- petrol station
- highway services
- service station
the full term for this sense
- rest stop
American English equivalent
- petrol station
only for buying fuel, not necessarily food or toilets
Grammar Patterns
a ~
the ~
Usage Note
In British English, 'service station' or 'services' (plural) is common. In American English, 'rest stop' or 'gas station' is more frequent.
Common Mistakes
4. the attention and help given to customers by the staff of a shop, restaurant, ho
the attention and help given to customers by the staff of a shop, restaurant, hotel, or other business, including taking orders, answering questions, and handling payments.
The restaurant offered excellent service and the waitress was very friendly.
collocation: excellent / good / poor service
Shirin complained about the slow service at the hotel reception desk.
A 10% service charge is added to the bill for large groups of diners.
collocation: service charge
Cole emailed the company's customer service team about a missing delivery.
collocation: customer service
Good service means staff smile and help you find what you need quickly.
- customer service
- good service
- poor service
- room service
- table service
- service charge
- service industry
- customer service
more explicit; the standard term in business
- waiting
narrower; specific to restaurants and bars
- hospitality
broader; includes the overall experience, not just the act of serving
Grammar Patterns
good ~
poor ~
~ is...
provide ~
Common Mistakes
5. an extra amount of money added to a bill in a restaurant or café, given to the p
an extra amount of money added to a bill in a restaurant or café, given to the people who served the food and drinks, sometimes included automatically for large groups.
The bill already includes a 10% service charge for the waitstaff.
phrase: service charge included / added
Valentina checked the receipt to see whether service was included or not.
In some restaurants, the service charge goes to all staff, not just the waiter.
Imran left extra money on the table even though service was already on the bill.
contrast: service charge vs tip
Amira asked the waiter whether the service fee covered the tip before paying.
- service charge
- service fee
- gratuity
- included service
- cover charge
- tip
the everyday word; refers to money given voluntarily by the customer
- gratuity
more formal; often used on receipts and in official contexts
- service fee
slightly more general; can include charges for other services
Grammar Patterns
a ~
~ is included
add ~
Usage Note
'Service charge' is the official amount added to the bill; 'tip' is the extra money customers choose to give. In many contexts the two words are used almost interchangeably by customers.
Common Mistakes
6. the duties or tasks a person carries out while working for an employer, governme
the duties or tasks a person carries out while working for an employer, government body, or institution, especially when this work is long-term or valued.
Anthony received a medal after twenty years of service with the fire department.
collocation: years of service
The company gave Greta a watch to thank her for thirty years of loyal service.
Her service to the community as a school nurse was widely appreciated by local families.
collocation: service to + noun phrase
Many civil servants spend their whole career in public service.
collocation: public service
Hui's long service at the hospital meant she knew every corner of the building.
- years of service
- public service
- service to
- long service
- loyal service
- civil service
- military service
- employment
neutral and broad; focuses on the fact of having a job
- work
simpler and more general; not limited to formal employment
- duty
more about responsibility and obligation than duration
- tenure
formal; often used for academic or official positions
Grammar Patterns
~ to [organization]
years of ~
length of ~
Usage Note
Frequently appears in formal contexts such as retirement speeches, award ceremonies, and CVs. Often preceded by an adjective describing the quality or duration, e.g. 'long service', 'faithful service', 'public service'.
Common Mistakes
7. a business whose main product is doing a type of work or offering help for custo
a business whose main product is doing a type of work or offering help for customers, rather than making or selling physical goods — for example, a cleaning company, a financial advice firm, or a car repair shop.
Devika started a cleaning service that now employs fifteen people in her town.
countable: a specific business type
The company provides IT services to small businesses across the region.
collocation: provide services
Minh hired a catering service to prepare food for his wedding reception.
Amani works for a delivery service that brings packages to people's doors.
The local plumbing service charged a call-out fee before fixing the leaky pipe.
- cleaning service
- delivery service
- financial services
- IT services
- catering service
- professional services
- offer services
- provide services
Grammar Patterns
[adjective] + services
offer/provide ~
~ industry
Usage Note
Commonly appears as '[type] service' or '[type] services' — both singular and plural forms are used, though plural is more frequent when referring to the industry broadly (e.g. 'financial services', 'professional services').
Common Mistakes
8. a specific department or branch within a government that is given the job of man
a specific department or branch within a government that is given the job of managing one area of public business, such as foreign relations, tax collection, or security.
Sven joined the diplomatic service and was posted to an embassy in Southeast Asia.
compound: 'diplomatic service'
The civil service employs thousands of people who work in government offices.
compound: 'civil service' — government workers
Élise passed the exam to enter the foreign service last autumn.
The secret service provided security for the visiting head of state during the summit.
Ziad spent thirty years in the tax service before retiring with a full pension.
- diplomatic service
- civil service
- foreign service
- secret service
- tax service
- enter the service
- join the service
- department
generic term for any administrative division
- bureau
common in US government; often more specific than a department
- agency
can be governmental or private, but widely used for government bodies
Grammar Patterns
the + [adjective] + service
a + service + such as
Usage Note
Often used with capitalised adjectives in names of specific departments: 'the Diplomatic Service', 'the Civil Service', 'the Secret Service'. This sense refers to the department itself, not the public system (covered by sense 1).
Common Mistakes
9. the particular abilities or knowledge that a person makes available to someone w
the particular abilities or knowledge that a person makes available to someone who needs them, often in a professional or skilled role — for instance, translating documents, giving legal advice, or teaching a subject.
Eve offered her services as a translator for the international conference.
phrase: offer one's services as [role]
The school needed the services of a qualified music teacher for the choir programme.
phrase: need the services of [someone]
Ava volunteered her services at the community centre every Saturday morning.
Yan's services as a web designer were in high demand after he won the award.
Andrés offered his legal services to families who could not afford a lawyer.
- offer one's services
- need the services of
- volunteer services
- legal services
- medical services
- professional services
- skills
focuses on ability rather than the offer of help
- expertise
more formal; implies deep knowledge in a specialised area
- assistance
broader; can be offered by anyone, not just professionals
Grammar Patterns
[possessive] + services
offer one's services
need the services of [someone]
Usage Note
Typically uses the plural 'services' and a possessive determiner or definite article. Less formal alternatives are 'help', 'skills', or simply naming the role ('Yan works as a translator').
Common Mistakes
10. the amount of useful work or benefit that you obtain from a vehicle, tool, or ma
the amount of useful work or benefit that you obtain from a vehicle, tool, or machine over an extended period — for example, a car that gave you ten years of reliable driving, or a pair of boots that lasted for many trips.
The old tractor gave the farmers fifty years of good service before it broke down.
collocation: give good service
William's hiking boots are still in service after eight years of mountain walks.
phrase: in service = being used
The new machinery was put into service on the factory floor last Tuesday morning.
phrase: put into service = start using
Kasia got excellent service from her bicycle, which she rode daily for over a decade.
We pressed the spare generator into service when the main power supply failed.
expression: press into service = use as a substitute
- give good service
- get service out of
- put into service
- in service
- press into service
- years of service
- use
simpler; 'get good use out of something' means the same but sounds less formal
- performance
focuses on how well something works rather than the duration
- wear
emphasises the physical condition after being used over time
Grammar Patterns
give good ~
get ~ out of
put into ~
in ~
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 2 (IN OPERATION): sense 2 describes whether a system is currently functional, while this sense describes how well something performs over its lifetime. 'Give good service' is a fixed expression for positive long-term performance.
Common Mistakes
11. the situation of being employed as a live-in servant in someone else's house, ca
the situation of being employed as a live-in servant in someone else's house, carrying out tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or other household chores in exchange for a wage and often a place to live.
In Victorian times, many young women went into service in wealthy country houses.
phrase: go into service — become a servant
Amira's great-grandmother was in service as a cook for a large family in Cairo.
phrase: be in service as [role]
The manor employed over thirty people in service, including maids, gardeners, and butlers.
Life in service meant long hours, strict rules, and very little personal freedom.
Sven left service to get married and opened a small bakery in the village.
- in service
- go into service
- leave service
- be in service
- domestic service
- a life in service
- domestic work
modern term that avoids the historical class connotations of 'service'
- maid work
narrower, specific to cleaning and tidying tasks
- household employment
very formal and descriptive
Grammar Patterns
in ~
go into ~
be in ~
Usage Note
Now mostly found in historical contexts or fiction set in past centuries. In modern times, the equivalent terms are 'domestic worker', 'housekeeper', or 'live-in help'. The phrase 'in service' is the most common fixed expression for this sense.
Common Mistakes
12. a period of time spent working as a member of a country's armed forces, either b
a period of time spent working as a member of a country's armed forces, either by choice or because the law requires it, with duties such as training, guarding, and operating military equipment.
William completed his service in the navy and then studied engineering at university.
collocation: complete one's service
All citizens in that country must perform two years of national service after school.
compound: 'national service' — compulsory military duty
Amani's father spent fifteen years in military service before becoming a police officer.
During his service in the army, Minh learned how to operate heavy vehicles.
Devika received a medal for her service during the peacekeeping mission abroad.
- national service
- military service
- complete one's service
- do one's service
- compulsory service
- service in the army/navy/air force
- years of service
- military duty
emphasises obligation rather than the period of work
- conscription
narrower; only refers to compulsory military service
- military career
implies a longer-term professional commitment rather than a fixed period
Grammar Patterns
[verb] + service
in the ~
do one's ~
national ~
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 13 (ARMED FORCES): sense 13 refers to the institution itself ('the service'), while this sense refers to the period of employment or the individual's career within the military. Also distinct from sense 14 (COMBAT SERVICE), which specifically involves active fighting.
Common Mistakes
13. one of the three main military branches — the army, the navy, or the air force —
one of the three main military branches — the army, the navy, or the air force — that a country relies on to defend itself from enemies
Yumi decided to join the service after graduation and trained as a navy medic.
uncountable: 'the service' = the armed forces
The armed services have strict rules about physical fitness and conduct.
plural: 'the armed services' for all branches
Joaquín's father spent thirty years in the service before retiring as a colonel.
Budget cuts in the service led to fewer training exercises last year.
Many countries require young adults to complete a period in the service.
- join the service
- leave the service
- the armed services
- in the service
- the three services
- military
broader term, can refer to any armed forces of a country
- armed forces
more formal term that explicitly names army, navy, and air force
Grammar Patterns
the + service / the armed services
Usage Note
In this sense, 'the service' (singular) refers to all branches collectively, while 'the services' or 'the armed services' emphasises the separate branches. Sense 12 refers to being employed in the military as a job; this sense refers to the institution itself.
Common Mistakes
14. the active experience of fighting in battles as a member of the military during
the active experience of fighting in battles as a member of the military during a war or armed conflict
Lakshmi was awarded a medal for her service during the peacekeeping mission.
The old veteran saw service in two wars and rarely spoke about what he saw.
collocation: 'see service' = experience combat
Folake completed three years of active service along the border region.
collocation: 'active service' = frontline duty
Many soldiers suffer long-term injuries from their service in dangerous zones.
- see service
- active service
- service in [conflict/region]
- frontline service
- combat
directly refers to fighting, narrower than service
- active duty
focuses on being deployed rather than the fighting itself
Grammar Patterns
[verb] + service
see + service + [preposition]
Usage Note
Unlike sense 13 (the institution) and sense 12 (employment in the military), this sense is specifically about active participation in warfare. Often used with 'see' or 'active' to distinguish from peacetime duty.
Common Mistakes
15. a formal gathering in a place of worship where people follow a fixed order of pr
a formal gathering in a place of worship where people follow a fixed order of prayers, readings, hymns, and a sermon led by a priest or minister
Élise attends the Sunday morning service at the church near her apartment every week.
countable: 'a service' / 'the service'
The wedding service lasted about forty-five minutes in the old stone chapel.
Noa's grandparents never miss the evening service on Christmas Eve.
A memorial service was held at the cathedral to remember the victims of the flood.
common compound: 'memorial service'
The church holds two services on Sunday — one in the morning and one at dusk.
- hold a service
- attend a service
- church service
- memorial service
- morning service
- wedding service
- funeral service
Grammar Patterns
[article] + service
hold + a + service
attend + service
Usage Note
Often modified by a specific type (wedding service, funeral service, memorial service, communion service). When unmodified, it usually refers to regular weekly worship in Christian traditions.
Common Mistakes
16. a stroke that sends the ball over the net to start a point in tennis, badminton,
a stroke that sends the ball over the net to start a point in tennis, badminton, volleyball, or similar racket sports, often delivered with a specific technique
Christopher practised his service every afternoon until his arm grew tired.
A good service in tennis can give the player a strong advantage from the start.
Yumi broke her opponent's service twice and won the set easily.
tennis expression: 'break someone's service'
The umpire called a fault because Joaquín's service went outside the correct area.
Her powerful service reached over one hundred and eighty kilometres per hour.
- break service
- hold service
- powerful service
- first service
- second service
- win on service
- serve
more commonly used as the noun in modern sports contexts
- opening shot
descriptive term for the first hit of a rally
Grammar Patterns
[possessive] + service
win/lose + [possessive] + service
Usage Note
In tennis, 'service' and 'serve' are used interchangeably, though 'serve' is more common as the verb. The expressions 'break service' (win a game when the opponent is serving) and 'hold service' (win a game when you are serving) are specific to tennis scoring.
Common Mistakes
17. a matching set of plates, bowls, cups, and other dishes designed to be used toge
a matching set of plates, bowls, cups, and other dishes designed to be used together when serving and eating a meal
Trang received a beautiful china service as a wedding gift from her aunt.
The hotel dining room uses a silver tea service that was made in the 1920s.
compound: 'tea service' (set for tea)
Folake carefully washed each piece of the dinner service after the family gathering.
A twelve-piece service typically includes dinner plates, bowls, and side plates.
The antique coffee service was displayed on a wooden shelf in the living room.
- dinner service
- tea service
- coffee service
- china service
- silver service
- service for [number]
- set
general term for a group of matching items
- dinnerware
North American term for plates, bowls, and serving dishes together
Grammar Patterns
[adjective] + service
service + for + [number]
Usage Note
Commonly combined with the type of meal or material: 'tea service', 'coffee service', 'dinner service', 'china service', 'silver service'. The word 'service' in this sense is most often used for formal or matching sets.
Common Mistakes
18. the work of examining a vehicle, machine, or piece of equipment at planned times
the work of examining a vehicle, machine, or piece of equipment at planned times and replacing any worn parts or fluids to keep it in good working condition
Noa took her car to the garage for its annual service last Thursday morning.
The mechanic said the washing machine needs a full service because the belt is broken.
A regular service helps prevent expensive breakdowns on the motorway.
Iris checked the service record before buying the used motorcycle from its owner.
compound: 'service record' (history of maintenance)
The company charges two hundred pounds for a basic service on small family cars.
- annual service
- full service
- car service
- service record
- due for a service
- have a service
- maintenance
broader term covering all regular care
- check-up
informal term, less technical
- overhaul
a more thorough, complete inspection and repair
Grammar Patterns
[verb] + [possessive] + service
take/need + a + service
service + due
Usage Note
A 'service' for a vehicle is more thorough than a simple oil change; it typically includes checking brakes, tyres, lights, fluids, and the engine. 'Full service' and 'interim service' describe different levels of thoroughness.
Common Mistakes
the name of a Canadian poet and writer (1874–1958), best known for narrative poems set in the Yukon during the Gold Rush.
Robert William Service wrote 'The Cremation of Sam McGee', a famous poem about the Yukon gold rush.
Many Canadian schoolchildren study the poems of Service in their literature classes.
Ready and available to help or be used by someone.
The hotel staff is at the service of every guest.
If you need a guide, I am at your service.
To be helpful or useful to someone.
Can I be of service to you today?
The librarian was happy to be of service to the students.
To do something that helps or harms someone.
You did me a great service by fixing my car.
Lying to him did him no service in the long run.
To use someone or something for an unexpected purpose because nothing else is available.
The old truck was pressed into service to carry supplies.
During the storm, volunteers were pressed into service as rescuers.
service — adjective
1. relating to the army, navy, air force, or other military organizations, especial
relating to the army, navy, air force, or other military organizations, especially describing the people who work in them or the things provided for them
Amira's father wore a service uniform to the ceremony.
collocation: service uniform / service medal
The government provides housing for service families near the base.
Tuan received a service medal for his work during the rescue mission.
collocation: service medal / service member
Every new service member must complete basic training before deployment.
- service uniform
- service medal
- service member
- service personnel
- service family
Usage Note
Used only before a noun. Common compounds include 'service uniform', 'service medal', 'service member', 'service family', and 'service personnel'. This adjective form is distinct from the noun sense meaning 'the armed forces as an institution' (e.g. 'joined the service').
Common Mistakes
2. designed or set aside for employees or workers to use when doing their jobs, rat
designed or set aside for employees or workers to use when doing their jobs, rather than for customers or the general public
The kitchen staff used the service elevator to bring up the food.
collocation: service elevator
Delivery trucks must enter through the service entrance at the back.
collocation: service entrance
Élise parked the catering van in the service area behind the restaurant.
The hotel has a service corridor that connects all the guest rooms.
collocation: service corridor
- service elevator
- service entrance
- service corridor
- service area
- service door
- staff-only
less formal; makes the restriction explicit where 'service' implies it indirectly
- utility
suggests practical function similar to 'service', but broader in meaning (e.g. 'utility closet')
Usage Note
Used only before a noun. The noun that follows names a part of a building or facility (elevator, entrance, corridor, area, door). This sense contrasts directly with public-facing areas of the same building. Distinguish from sense 5 (repair and maintenance): the STAFF USE sense is about access and logistics, not about fixing things.
Common Mistakes
3. made to be strong enough for tough or frequent use without wearing out quickly
made to be strong enough for tough or frequent use without wearing out quickly
The campers wore service trousers made of strong cotton fabric.
collocation: service boots / service trousers
Darius packed his service boots for the hiking trip in the mountains.
The school bought service furniture that could withstand daily use.
These service plates are thick enough for the cafeteria crowd.
collocation: service plates / service furniture
- service boots
- service trousers
- service furniture
- service plates
- service-grade
- serviceable
more common in modern English; applies to a wider range of objects and also carries the meaning 'functional but not fancy'
- durable
the most common and general term; 'durable' describes anything that lasts a long time, while 'service' is restricted to institutional or military settings
- hard-wearing
informal British English; similar meaning but not interchangeable in fixed collocations like 'service boots'
Usage Note
Often replaced by the more common adjective 'serviceable' in modern English, though the shorter 'service' form survives in institutional and military contexts. The noun that follows is typically an item of clothing, equipment, or household object expected to take heavy use.
Common Mistakes
4. relating to the part of the economy where businesses provide help, advice, care,
relating to the part of the economy where businesses provide help, advice, care, or entertainment instead of making physical goods
The service sector now employs more people than manufacturing does.
collocation: service sector / service industry
Jiwoo found a job in the service economy after graduating from college.
collocation: service economy
Christopher works for a service company that offers IT support.
The local economy depends mostly on service businesses like hotels.
collocation: service business / service company
Service industries such as banking and healthcare continue to grow.
- service sector
- service industry
- service economy
- service business
- service company
- tertiary-sector
formal economic term describing the same concept; much less common in everyday speech
- non-manufacturing
describes the same economic segment but in negative terms; less precise
Usage Note
Used only before a noun. Common in economics and business writing. The nouns that follow are typically collective categories: 'service sector', 'service industry', 'service economy', 'service business'. Distinguish from sense 5 (REPAIR): sense 4 covers a broad economic classification (banking, insurance, hospitality), while sense 5 is specifically about mechanical maintenance.
Common Mistakes
5. providing the work of checking, fixing, and keeping vehicles, machines, or build
providing the work of checking, fixing, and keeping vehicles, machines, or buildings in good working condition
Rafael took his car to the service department at the garage.
collocation: service department
The hotel's service team fixed the broken air conditioner this morning.
Adina called the service center when her washing machine stopped working.
collocation: service center / service engineer
A service engineer visits the factory every month to check the machines.
The bus company runs its own service facility for all its vehicles.
- service department
- service center
- service team
- service engineer
- service facility
- maintenance
focuses on keeping equipment in good condition through regular care; 'service' can include both regular maintenance and one-time repairs
- repair
emphasises fixing something that has broken; 'service' also covers routine checks before anything breaks
Usage Note
Used only before a noun. Common in signage ('Service Department', 'Service Center'), job titles ('service engineer', 'service technician'), and company names. Distinguish from sense 2 (STAFF USE): sense 5 refers to the act of repairing and maintaining things, while sense 2 refers to parts of a building used by staff for logistics.
Common Mistakes
service — idiom
1. the surname of Robert William Service (1874–1958), a Canadian poet best known fo
the surname of Robert William Service (1874–1958), a Canadian poet best known for his lively narrative poems about the Yukon gold rush, such as 'The Cremation of Sam McGee' and 'The Shooting of Dan McGrew.'
Kwame read Robert Service's poem about Sam McGee aloud to the class.
surname reference in literary context
The librarian set up a display of Service's Yukon poetry for the gold rush anniversary.
Many Canadian students first encounter Service's work in middle school English class.
Apinya found a copy of Service's collected poems at the second-hand bookshop.
Rania compared Service's storytelling style to that of the American poet Robert Frost.
Usage Note
This is a reference to the poet's surname, not a common idiom. It appears in biographical and literary contexts when discussing Canadian poetry or Yukon gold rush literature.
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/4
The word "service" spans a remarkably broad set of meanings, which can confuse learners. The main conceptual clusters are: (1) HELP OR CARE — this includes customer service (noun/4: staff helping customers in a shop or restaurant), the service industry (noun/7: businesses selling work rather than products), and the verb sense "provide services" (verb/3: offering professional help). These all share the idea of one person or organization doing useful work for another. (2) MAINTENANCE & REPAIR — the verb sense "examine and repair" (verb/1) and noun/18 "regular maintenance" focus on keeping vehicles and machines in good working order, while the adjective sense (adj/5) describes the people or shops that do this work. These are concrete and mechanical, quite different from the abstract "help" cluster. (3) EMPLOYMENT & DUTY — military service (noun/12, adj/1), government service (noun/1, noun/8), and domestic service (noun/11) all describe periods or types of work, often with a sense of obligation or formal role. (4) UTILITY & FUNCTION — noun/2 ("in operation") and noun/10 ("usefulness over time") talk about whether something is working or how much use it provides. For example, if your washing machine stops working, you might say "it gave us ten years of good service" (noun/10) or "it needs to be serviced" (verb/1) — two different senses springing from the same root idea of usefulness.
Common collocations
Nouns
- customer service
- service provider
- service industry
- military service
- public service
- room service
- service charge
- service station
- service dog
- service record
Adverbs
- regularly serviced
- professionally serviced
- fully serviced
Phrases
- out of service
- into service
- in service
- at your service
- do someone a service
- be of service
- service with a smile
Prepositions
- service to
- service for
- service from
Etymology
The word "service" traces back to Latin servitium, meaning "slavery" or "condition of a slave," from servus ("slave" or "servant"). It passed into Old French as servise (later service), where the meaning expanded from servitude to include religious devotion, domestic work, and the broader concept of being useful to others. By the 13th century, Middle English had adopted it, and over the following centuries the sense branched outward to cover military duty, government administration, restaurant hospitality, vehicle maintenance, and sports — all united by the core idea of providing something useful to someone else.