What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
serve
Example
The waiter will serve us our meals shortly. [serve: verb]
Example
He served in the army for five years. [served: past tense]
Example
She is currently serving a ten-year sentence for embezzlement. [serving: present participle]
imprison
Example
The judge decided to imprison the defendant for ten years. [imprison: verb]
Example
He was imprisoned for robbery. [imprisoned: past tense]
Example
She is currently imprisoned for drug trafficking. [imprisoned: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Serve is more commonly used than imprison in everyday language. Serve has a wider range of contexts and can be used in both formal and informal settings. Imprison, on the other hand, is primarily used in legal or criminal justice contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between serve and imprison?
While serve can be used in both formal and informal contexts, imprison is typically associated with a formal and serious tone due to its legal connotations and negative implications.
