What is service? Pronunciation and usage in English

service means . Learn how to pronounce and use service through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of service

servicenoun/verb

/ˈsəːvɪs/
Definition & pronunciation of service

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "service" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈsɜːrvɪs/ (British English)
  • /ˈsərvɪs/ (American English)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "Ser" (first syllable):

    • The "s" is pronounced like a regular "s" sound - like in "sun."
    • The "er" sounds like "uh" (as in "her"). It's a short, almost unstressed sound. Think of it like saying "suh" but quickly.

  2. "vice" (second syllable):

    • This is where it gets tricky! The "v" is pronounced like a "v" sound – like in "van."
    • The "ice" part sounds like "ihs" (rhymes with "fish"). It’s a very short, quick "ihs" sound.

Putting it all together:

Imagine saying "suh-VEE-s" quickly. The key is to blend the syllables smoothly.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. You can find examples on:
    • Google: Search for "how to pronounce service" on Google and you'll get audio clips.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/service/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers around the world.
    • YouTube: Search for videos on pronunciation – many people offer clear tutorials.
  • Focus on the vowel sound in "vice": This is often the stumbling block. Practice saying "ihs" repeatedly.

Resources for Practice:

Would you like me to:

  • Say the pronunciation out loud?
  • Give you more examples of words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word service in English

Let's break down how to use the word "service" in English. It's a remarkably versatile word with many different meanings and applications. Here's a comprehensive guide, broken down into categories:

1. As a Noun (Things you receive):

  • General Assistance: This is the most common usage. It refers to an activity done for someone else.

    • "I need a service for my car – an oil change and tire rotation."
    • "The company provides excellent customer service."
    • "He offered his services as a translator."
    • "We rely on public services like healthcare and education."

  • Specific Professions/Trades: Often used to describe what a professional does.

    • "Hair service" (cutting hair, styling)
    • "Plumbing service" (fixing pipes)
    • "Legal service" (providing legal advice)
    • "Financial service" (banking, investment)
    • "Cleaning service" (house cleaning)
    • "Delivery service" (UPS, FedEx)
    • "Taxi service"

  • Formal Events:

    • "A wedding service" (the ceremony)
    • "A funeral service" (the memorial)

  • Subscription-Based Activities:

    • "Netflix is a streaming service."
    • "Spotify is a music service."

2. As a Verb (Offering Assistance):

  • To Provide Assistance: This means to offer help or a particular activity.

    • “Can you service my laptop?” (meaning can you repair it?)
    • “The mechanic will service the engine.” (meaning he will maintain it)
    • “The hotel services include room cleaning and laundry.”

  • To Maintain (Machines/Equipment): Used in a technical context.

    • “The technicians will service the machinery.”

3. Phrases & Idioms with "Service":

  • Customer Service: The act of providing assistance and support to customers. This is a huge industry!
  • Service Industry: Industries that provide services rather than physical products (restaurants, hotels, salons, etc.).
  • To be of Service: An expression meaning "I am happy to help." (Formal) - "May I be of service?"
  • Service Charge: A fee added to a bill for a particular service (e.g., a service charge on a restaurant bill).
  • Service Contract: An agreement outlining the terms of a service.

4. Figurative Uses:

  • "A service to humanity": Something that benefits many people. "Nelson Mandela was a service to humanity.”

Tips for Using "Service" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "service" depends heavily on the context.
  • Specificity: When referring to a profession or trade, be clear about the type of service being offered.
  • Formal vs. Informal: “Be of service” is more formal than simply offering to help.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "service"? (e.g., write a sentence, understand a conversation, analyze a document?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word service

Idioms of the word service

at the service of somebody/something | at somebody’s service
(formal or humorous)completely available for somebody to use or to help somebody
  • Healthcare must be at the service of all who need it.
  • If you need anything, I am at your service.
  • The cabin staff are at your service throughout the flight.
be of service (to somebody)
(formal)to be useful or helpful
  • Can I be of service to anyone?
do somebody a/no service
(formal)to do something that is helpful/not helpful to somebody
  • She was doing herself no service by remaining silent.
  • You have done us a great service.
press somebody/something into service
to use somebody/something for a purpose that they were not trained or intended for because there is nobody or nothing else available
  • Every type of boat was pressed into service to rescue passengers from the sinking ferry.

Practice with vocabulary service

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company prides itself on its exceptional customer _______. They always go the extra mile for clients.
  2. Many online platforms now offer a subscription-based _______ for streaming movies and TV shows.
  3. Effective technical _______ is crucial for resolving user issues quickly and efficiently.
  4. The city council approved additional _______ to help families affected by the recent natural disaster.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following activities often falls under the umbrella of "public _______"? a) Developing a new software application b) Providing emergency medical care c) Operating a municipal waste collection system d) Manufacturing consumer goods

  2. When a company offers a "premium _______," what might it entail? a) Reduced product quality b) Expedited delivery and dedicated support c) A basic, no-frills package d) Exclusive access to advanced features

  3. To "render a _______" implies: a) To cause damage or harm b) To perform a duty or provide assistance c) To request payment for goods d) To make something decorative

  4. Which word best describes the ongoing tasks required to keep equipment operational? a) Procurement b) Disruption c) Maintenance d) Fabrication

  5. What word would describe a person's commitment to a cause or organization, often involving personal sacrifice? a) Indifference b) Deviation c) Dedication d) Negligence

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The department is responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of all IT systems. Rewrite using "service" or a related word form:

  2. Original: The hotel staff provided excellent care to all guests during their stay. Rewrite using "service" or a related word form:

  3. Original: We rely on external companies to perform all repairs and upkeep of our machinery. Rewrite without using "service" or a related word form:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. service
  2. service
  3. support
  4. aid

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) service, c) service
  2. b) service, d) service
  3. b) service
  4. c) Maintenance
  5. c) Dedication

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The department is responsible for servicing all IT systems.
  2. The hotel provided excellent guest service during their stay.
  3. We rely on external companies to conduct all maintenance and repairs of our machinery.

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