student asking question

Is there any difference in nuance between "serve", "give" and "offer"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

To "serve" means to provide a service for someone or do something for someone else that usually involves giving up your time or energy for them. It can also mean to present something to someone. To "give" means to give something to someone which you possess. To "offer" is similar to "serve" in the sense that it involves something being presented to someone, but unlike "serve", it does not involve doing a service for them. Ex: What would you like to drink? I can offer you water or wine. Ex: The waiter served them their meals at the restaurant. Ex: He gave me some flowers.

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