Thus, the presence of a weapon serves as a buffer against future violence.

But its presence serves a worthy and necessary cause, he says: the promotion of things Japanese.

What purpose did the mere presence of your people serve?

The presence of the post office, library, banks, and government offices all served to bring people into the area.

In these instances, the presence of the other individuals would serve to provide a check on the man's behavior.

The statue's presence on their road has always served as a natural speed check in the residential area.

This being so, my continued presence no longer serves any useful purpose.

But his presence also served to keep her awake.

He was her audience, but his presence served only to trigger a release of words she would have spoken to anyone.

"However, there is one whose continued presence would serve to abate skepticism here."