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.

Comment ()