use
A1 (both noun and verb)Neutral (ubiquitous across all registers)
Definition
Meaning
The act of employing something for a purpose, or the state of being employed.
Refers to the habitual practice or custom; the benefit, advantage, or purpose served by something; the power or ability to use something (e.g., 'I have the use of my legs'); legal right to enjoy the benefits of another's property without owning it (usufruct); in computing, the operation of a program or function.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The meaning shifts subtly between noun and verb. The noun often implies 'purpose' or 'function', while the verb is about the action of employing. The noun can also denote the ability to benefit from something ('He lost the use of his hand'). The past tense/participle 'used' has a distinct semi-modal function expressing past habits ('I used to go').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Pronunciation difference for the noun: BrE /juːs/ vs. AmE /jus/. The spelling of derivatives like 'utilisation/utilization' follows regional norms. In colloquial speech, BrE more frequently uses 'have the use of' (e.g., 'I have the use of the car tonight').
Connotations
No significant connotative differences. The phrase 'of use' (meaning 'useful') is slightly more formal in both varieties but equally understood.
Frequency
Both forms are top-100 words. The verb may be slightly more frequent than the noun in general corpora. The noun form with /s/ sound is less frequent in AmE speech than in BrE due to the pronunciation merger.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB: use + object (I use a pen.)VERB: use + object + to-infinitive (She used a knife to cut it.)VERB: use + object + for + -ing/noun (He used it for opening bottles.)NOUN: the use of + noun (The use of smartphones is common.)NOUN: Adjective + use (daily use, commercial use)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's no use crying over spilt milk.”
- “Use it or lose it.”
- “What's the use?”
- “Have your uses (be occasionally useful).”
- “Be of use (to be helpful).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the application of resources, technology, or processes (e.g., 'optimise the use of capital', 'terms of use', 'fair use policy').
Academic
Often denotes the application of a theory, method, or data (e.g., 'the use of qualitative analysis', 'historical use of the term').
Everyday
The most common context, referring to employing everyday objects or services (e.g., 'use your phone', 'use the bathroom', 'can I use your pen?').
Technical
In computing: 'user', 'use case', 'use function'. In law: 'non-conforming use', 'beneficial use'. In medicine: 'drug use', 'off-label use'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- This toolkit has many uses.
- The phone is in constant use.
- Is this map of any use to you?
- He lost the use of his arm after the accident.
American English
- This tool has many uses.
- The computer is in daily use.
- Is this map any use to you?
- She has the use of the company car.
verb
British English
- Could I use your loo?
- We don't use that spelling here.
- She used all her cunning to win.
- This room is used for storage.
American English
- Can I use your bathroom?
- We don't use that spelling here.
- He used his connections to get the job.
- This software is used to edit photos.
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable as a standard adverb. 'Used' functions in 'used to' but is not a freestanding adverb.)
American English
- (Not applicable as a standard adverb. 'Used' functions in 'used to' but is not a freestanding adverb.)
adjective
British English
- As a used car, it's a good value.
- Please put it with the used towels.
American English
- As a used car, it's a good value.
- Please place it with the used linens.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I use a pencil to write.
- Can you use a computer?
- This phone is easy to use.
- What is the use of this key?
- You should use sunscreen on sunny days.
- He makes good use of his free time.
- The word is no longer in common use.
- I used to play football when I was younger.
- The report examines the use of drones in agriculture.
- She used her diplomatic skills to defuse the tension.
- The building fell into disuse many years ago.
- I'm not used to driving in such heavy traffic.
- The artist used the medium to critique consumerism.
- The lawyer argued for the equitable use of the trust's assets.
- His prolific use of neologisms defines his literary style.
- They are gradually getting used to the new regulatory environment.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'S' in 'Use' as standing for 'Stuff' (noun, /s/) and the 'Z' sound for the action of 'Zipping it into action' (verb, /z/).
Conceptual Metaphor
USING IS CONTROLLING/A DIRECTING OF FORCE (e.g., 'use your influence', 'use your strength'); A TOOL IS AN EXTENSION OF THE SELF (implied in 'use your hands'); TIME/OPPORTUNITY IS A RESOURCE (e.g., 'use your time wisely').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'use' as 'использовать' in every context. For 'I used to live there', it's 'Я раньше жил там', not 'Я использовал жить там'.
- The noun 'use' (/juːs/) can be confused with the verb form due to spelling. Remember the sound difference: 'юз' (verb) vs. 'юс' (noun).
- The phrase 'be used to' (being accustomed) is 'быть привыкшим к', not 'быть использованным'.
- The phrase 'of use' means 'useful' ('полезный'), not 'of using'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I am use to it.' Correct: 'I am used to it.' (for habit) OR 'I use it.' (for action)
- Incorrect pronunciation: Pronouncing the noun 'use' as /juːz/.
- Incorrect: 'What is the use of to worry?' Correct: 'What is the use of worrying?' / 'What is the use in worrying?'
- Confusing 'use' and 'usage'. 'Usage' refers to conventions or habitual practice (e.g., 'language usage'), not the single act of using.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses the noun form of 'use' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Use' refers to the act of employing something or the fact of being employed. 'Usage' refers to the way something is used, especially established, habitual, or linguistic practices (e.g., 'common usage', 'energy usage patterns').
This is a common pattern in English called 'final devoicing'. The verb has a voiced /z/ sound, while the noun has an unvoiced /s/ sound. Similar pairs include 'advise' (verb, /z/) and 'advice' (noun, /s/).
1. For past habits/states: 'I used to live there.' (always past tense, followed by base verb). 2. For being accustomed: 'I am used to the noise.' (verb 'be/get/become' + 'used to' + noun/gerund). The first is a modal-like verb, the second is an adjective phrase.
Yes, when 'used' is an adjective (meaning 'second-hand' or 'employed'), it can take comparative/superlative forms (e.g., 'the most used tool in the box'). However, you cannot say 'more used to' for getting accustomed; you would say 'more accustomed to'.