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 an action you perform, while service is something that is typically offered or provided.
Think of serve like serving a dish of food, which is an immediate action.
Remember that service often has a longer-term impact, such as a cable service subscription.
Use the verb serve when you're in the act of doing, like helping someone.
Use the noun service to refer to the act or process itself, such as a repair service.