Utilization vs Use - Complete Guide (with Examples) (2023)

"Use" and "usage" are almost identical when spelled. However, there are some nuances you need to understand that allow native speakers to create a subtle difference between them. This article examines when to use which variant.

What is the difference between "use" and "use"?

"Use" works when something is used. It is a verb form, so we must use it whenever we "use" (ie, "uncommon") something. "Use" is the state of "being used" and refers to how something might be used (ie "used outside the normal").

You can think of "use" as the noun form of the verb "to use." We use it to describe the state of something that is in use.

Of course, that doesn't help much when you present it with almost identical examples like this:

• This uniform is not for general use.
• This uniform is not for general use.

Both examples are correct. The only subtle difference is "general use" or "general use". We use "in" as a preposition because "use" is a verb that indicates that we are using something.

"Use" is a noun, which means that a preposition is not required in a sentence.

What does "use" mean?

Let's start by first examining the use of "usage". It's the form of the verb, so you'll probably find it.

"Use" means that we use something. It comes from the verb form "to use", which shows that we make something work or do things as intended.

It is common to use "to use" as a synonym for the noun "to use". However, this is mostly true informally, and there aren't many formal cases where it's acceptable to write "use" instead of "use".

Example sentences with "use"

Some of these examples should help you:

1. If you want to use this correctly, we recommend reading this guide.
2. I'm sorry, but using this product is not ideal! We have to get it out of him immediately.
3. Your use of these strong words is almost unbearable for me. Please don't use them again.
4. Sometimes my use of language was criticized. I'm not particularly happy with the way people treat me because of it.
5. If you hadn't researched how to use this thing, I'm sure we would have destroyed it by now.
6. Your use of this machine is extraordinary! How did you figure out how to use it this way?
7. This item is ready to use at any time sir. I made all the necessary changes you wanted.

"Use" is a verb, and we use it to show that someone or something can "use" an item. It is sometimes correct as a noun (replacing "use"), but this only applies colloquially.

It is best to try to avoid using "usage" and "use" interchangeably in your writing. You should make sure that you can make the difference formally clear.

What does "use" mean?

So what exactly is the difference we are looking for?

"Use" is a noun. It refers to the state of something that is being used. It is usually not preceded by a subject pronoun (as you would expect from a verb). Instead, we precede it with other nouns or object pronouns, or just show the state something happens in when it is "used".

If you are confused about the pronoun rule, read the following:

• Subject pronoun: I use it.
• Object pronouns: Its use is quite remarkable.

Example sentences with "use"

Maybe some more examples will help you understand:

1. Your command of this language after just a few weeks is remarkably impressive!
2. Its use makes me squirm. I don't like how he did those things.
3. If your use of language was any better, I'd have to figure out where you got your brain from!
4. I need to understand this energy usage bill! I really don't like what I see here.
5. The fuel consumption of this car is almost too high! I am unable to pay the associated costs.
6. Whatever the numbers use, it's mebut how happyto pay them for you!
7. I need to understand the usage numbers before the end of the week. Put the report on my desk, please.

"Use" is a noun. We use it with an object pronoun or another noun (for example, "language use"). It's a great way to show how something is used, rather than the direct act of using it.

Are "Use" and "Usage" interchangeable?

If written informally, there's no reason why "use" and "use" can't be used interchangeably. However, it can create a bad habit in your writing, so it's best to treat "use" as a verb and "use" as a noun when it matters most.

Still, we can give you some interchangeable examples to show you how it works informally:

• His use of language is impressive.
• His use of language is impressive.
• Your use of these phrases amazes me!
• Your use of these phrases is amazing to me!

While it is correct to write "use" and "usage" as synonyms in noun form, there is never a case where it could be written differently. "Use" can never be a verb:

• Correct: I use a lot of toothpaste.
• Wrong: Use all the good toys!

Is "use" or "use" more common?

Let's quickly look at some graphical proofs to see which of the two theorems is the most popular.

AfterGoogle Ngram Viewer, "use" is much more popular than "use". However, these data points are not necessarily fair to "use" since "use" is a very common verb, which means it ismuch morelikely to be used in general English writing.

Unfortunately, there is no way to separate the direct use of the verb "to use" in order to compare it more accurately with "to use" in a similar context.

However, you will probably find "use" to be the more popular of the two phrases. Finally, there are many cases where it can be used instead of "use".

Common confusion about "Use" versus "Use"

Finally, let's end some common confusion people have about the terms "use" and "usage". We hope that by this stage of the article you have a much better understanding of how each of the following functions works.

Is it “use of language” or “use of language”?

"Use of language" and "Use of language" are correct. We can use "use" and "usage" interchangeably when working with the word "language." This is a common tendency used by native speakers. "Use" is more formally correct, but both work fine.

• Your use of language is really impressive.
• I do notI have a lot of this use under my belt.

Is it “power consumption” or “power consumption”?

"Electricity consumption" is grammatically correct. We use it that way because it refers to a noun. It means the amount of energy we use, not actual energy usage. So you should always use "use".

• Right: Energy consumption is the main factor that explains why our bills are like thiscaro.
• Incorrect: Power consumption is notI will gomuch more later this month.

Is it "for future use" or "for future use"?

"For future use" works best when dealing with an action. This allows us to use "to use" as a verb (as long as there is another verb that supports it). "For future use" acts as a noun and allows us to indicate the future use that we expect from someone.

• For future use, I recommend that you try one of the following products.
• You should remember them for future use.

Is it "ready to use" or "ready to use"?

"Ready to use" is correct because we need the noun form when we talk about the state of whether we can use something. If we were to use the preposition "to", then "to use" would be correct as a verb to indicate that it is ready to use.

• Correct: This building is not operational yet, so you will have to come back later.
• Incorrect: This vehicle is not yet operational.

Here is the alternative form that we can use with "to" to make the verb form work:

• That's right: it's now ready to use if you want to take it with you.
• Wrong: Sorry, but it's not ready to use yet!

Quiz: Have you mastered use versus use?

Let's end with a quiz to see what you learned from it! As a side note, be sure to follow the formal writing rules for these answers!

1. Their language (A. use / B. use) is very strange. whoeducatedAre they?
2. I don't have any of the items you asked me not to (A. use / B. use).
3. She thought that she (A. Uso / B. Uso) was better than the others, but she wasn't.
4. My (A. use / B. use) of those vile words was unforgivable.
5. The car is finally ready for (A. use / B. use), Mr. Smith.

Answers to the questionnaire

1. B
2. A
3. B
4. B
5. A