serve on

serve on — phrasal verb

  • serve onbase form
  • serves on3rd person singular
  • serving on-ing form
  • served onpast simple

1. to act as a member of an official body, such as a jury, a committee, or a board,

1.片語動詞不及物B1
釋義

to act as a member of an official body, such as a jury, a committee, or a board, for a limited period of time

例句

Nellie served on the board of directors for six years before retiring.

serve on + board / committee

Hyun was asked to serve on the committee that reviews new grant proposals.

passive: be asked to serve on [group]

同義詞
  • sit on

    more informal, used mainly for committees and boards

  • be on

    more general and less formal; works for any group

  • hold a seat on

    slightly more formal; emphasises the position as an official post

反義詞

文法句型

serve on + [group noun / proper name of group]

用法筆記

Object of 'on' must be an official or formally constituted group (committee, board, jury, council, panel). Unlike 'work on', 'serve on' implies an official appointment or election, not just participation.

常見錯誤

❌He served the committee for ten years' (when meaning he was a member).
✅He served on the committee for ten years.
💡Without 'on', the meaning changes to 'provided service to' rather than 'was a member of'.