Serve-Service | Commonly Confused Words

Serve

/səːv/

To give or provide something needed or desired

Supper was now being served.Our knock serves as a sort of all-clear.What was going to happen to Japanese forces serving overseas?

/ˈsɜːvəs/

An action of helping or doing work for someone

'She over-estimates my services, sir.'"You mean you'd waste your time servicing her?"In my service, monsieur, you will only find a master."

Serve is a verb; it denotes the act of providing or being of assistance.
Service is a noun; it refers to the action of helping or doing work for someone, or a system supplying a public need.
Use serve when discussing actions being performed, such as serving food or being on duty.
Use service when discussing the act performed or the system itself, such as internet service or a memorial service.
Think of serve as performing the action, while service refers to the broader concept or system of the action.