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Learn more English in a Minute
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(Clips: Getty)
Introduction
You might already know what 'service' means – it's an action carried out for others. But do you know these four other meanings? Get to know the word 'service' with Phil and then test your understanding using the quiz.
4 meanings of 'service'
a specific train or bus
We can use service to talk about a specific train or bus that comes at the same time every day.
- Sorry, can you tell me which platform I need for 9.15 service?
- We're afraid that today's 10.15 service to Manchester has been cancelled.
maintaining something mechanical
a service can be when someone maintains something mechanical for you. People take their car to a garage for a service, or arrange a service for appliances in their home.
- OK, so you're bringing your can in for its annual service? Great, I'll look at it now.
- Can I book a service for my washing machine?
A shot in tennis
A service is what you do start a point in tennis, or other racquet sports. We can also call this a 'serve'.
- She's been practising her service and now she's one of the best.
- A good service is one of the most important things to learn in badminton.
A place to buy fuel or food
Services are the places where you can stop on a long drive to buy fuel or food.
- I'm starving! How long until we get to the services.
- Make sure you have enough petrol to get to the next services.
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Download a free transcript!
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TRANSCRIPT
Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript.
Phil
How well do you really know the word 'service'? You probably know this meaning, but what about these? A service can be a train or a bus – it's the one that comes at the same time every day.
Example
Sorry, can you tell me which platform I need for the 9.15 service?
Phil
A service can be when someone maintains something mechanical for you. Heating systems and cars often need regular services.
Example
OK. So, you're bringing your car in for its annual service? Great. I'll look at it now.
Phil
We also call it a serve, but a service can be what you do in tennis or any other racquet sport to start or restart the game.
Example
She's been practising her service and now she's one of the best.
Phil
Services are also where you stop to get food or petrol on a long drive.
Example
I'm starving! How long until we get to the services?
Phil
Try to remember these four ways to use the word 'service'.
Next
Learn more idiomatic language in The English We Speak.
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