What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
service
Example
The customer service at this restaurant is excellent. [service: noun]
Example
I would be happy to service your car for you. [service: verb]
Example
The public transportation service in this city is very efficient. [service: noun]
utility
Example
The utility company is responsible for providing electricity to this area. [utility: noun]
Example
This tool has many useful utilities for home repairs. [utilities: plural noun]
Example
The public utility system in this city is very reliable. [utility: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Service is more commonly used than utility in everyday language, especially in the context of customer service and hospitality. Utility is more commonly used in the context of essential services like electricity, gas, or water.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between service and utility?
Both service and utility can be used in formal and informal contexts, but utility is often associated with more technical or specialized language and may be more commonly used in formal settings.
