use

use — verb

1. to operate a tool, machine, or object, or apply a skill or method, in order to g

1.verbtransitiveA1
Definition

to operate a tool, machine, or object, or apply a skill or method, in order to get something done.

Example

Élise used her phone to check the bus schedule.

use + object + to-infinitive

The chef used fresh herbs to add flavour to the soup.

Common collocations
  • use something for
  • use something as
  • use something to do
Synonyms
  • employ

    more formal; often used for skills, methods, or staff rather than physical objects

  • utilize

    suggests putting something to a practical or effective use, often in a technical context

Antonyms
  • neglect

    to fail to use something that is available

Grammar Patterns

use + object

use + object + to-infinitive

Common Mistakes

I used a taxi for go to the station.
I used a taxi to go to the station.
'to-infinitive' follows 'use + object', not 'for + gerund'.

2. to take from a supply and leave less of it, or to consume it entirely, for insta

2.verbtransitiveB1
Definition

to take from a supply and leave less of it, or to consume it entirely, for instance by eating food, burning fuel, or applying materials until none remains.

Example

The old heater uses a lot of electricity every winter month.

use + amount/quantity (electricity, fuel, water)

Adaeze used the last of the flour to bake a loaf of bread.

Common collocations
  • use up
  • use all the
  • use the last of
Synonyms
  • consume

    more formal; common in environmental and economic contexts

  • eat up

    informal; limited to food contexts

Antonyms
  • save

    to keep something for later rather than using it now

Grammar Patterns

use + object

use + up + object

Usage Note

Often used with 'up' to emphasise that something is completely consumed: 'They used up all the flour.'

Common Mistakes

I used the cake yesterday' (meaning I ate it).
I ate the cake yesterday' or 'I used up the cake yesterday.
'use' without 'up' for food sounds unnatural unless describing it as an ingredient in cooking.

3. to choose and speak or write down a specific term or type of language in order t

3.verbtransitiveB1
Definition

to choose and speak or write down a specific term or type of language in order to convey a message.

Example

Shirin used the word 'delighted' in her thank-you note.

use + word/phrase + in + context

The instructions use simple language so children can follow them.

Common collocations
  • use a word
  • use a phrase
  • use language
  • use an expression
  • use a term
Synonyms
  • employ

    more formal; common in writing about academic or professional language choices

  • say

    less precise; refers to speaking generally rather than choosing specific terms

Grammar Patterns

use + word/phrase/language

use + noun + to-infinitive

Common Mistakes

She used a wrong word.
She used the wrong word.
use the definite article when referring to a specific word choice error.

4. to treat someone unfairly for your own benefit, or to take selfish advantage of

4.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to treat someone unfairly for your own benefit, or to take selfish advantage of a situation or opportunity.

Example

The landlord used his tenants' fear of eviction to raise the rent.

use + noun (someone's fear/need) + to-infinitive

Sivan felt that her manager was using her by giving extra work without pay.

passive continuous: be + being + used

Common collocations
  • use someone
  • use something as an excuse
  • feel used
Synonyms
  • exploit

    stronger negative connotation; suggests treating someone as a resource or tool

  • take advantage of

    phrasal equivalent; more common in everyday English

Antonyms
  • help

    to assist someone without expecting anything in return

Grammar Patterns

use + person

use + situation + to-infinitive

use + noun + as + noun

Usage Note

Frequently appears in the passive: 'He felt used by his friends.' The object is typically a person (when exploiting someone) or an abstract noun like 'situation' or 'opportunity'.

Common Mistakes

❌ 'She used the opportunity' (neutral sense) when meaning 'She took advantage of the opportunity.' — 'use' with opportunity is neutral; 'take advantage of' adds the nuance of selfish benefit.

5. used to say that someone would like or would benefit from having something, typi

5.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

used to say that someone would like or would benefit from having something, typically expressed in the fixed phrase 'could use'.

Example

After walking for hours under the sun, Lauren could use a cold drink.

could use + noun (beneficial thing wanted)

This living room could use a fresh coat of paint on the walls.

Common collocations
  • could use
  • could really use
Synonyms
  • need

    stronger emphasis on necessity; 'could use' is softer and more polite

Grammar Patterns

could use + noun phrase

Usage Note

Only appears in the pattern 'could use' (or 'could really use'). It does not appear in other tenses: you cannot say 'I use a break' to mean 'I need a break.' Do not confuse with the other senses of 'use' — this is a fixed expression.

Common Mistakes

I use a coffee right now.
I could use a coffee right now.
This sense requires the modal 'could'; it is never used in the simple present.
Phrasal verbs

use up

phrasal verb

to consume all of something so that nothing remains.

Antonia used up all the wrapping paper on birthday gifts.

We have used up our monthly budget for food already.

Idioms

used to

idiom

used to describe something that happened regularly or existed in the past but no longer happens or exists now.

My grandmother used to live in that small house by the river.

There used to be a cinema on this street, but it closed years ago.

I, you, etc. could use something

idiom

This phrase means that someone really wants or needs something.

After a long day at work, I could use a hot bath.

Maya said she could use some help with her homework.

use your head

idiom

This phrase tells someone to think carefully or use common sense.

When you get stuck on a problem, just use your head.

Use your head, Diego; the answer is obvious.

use — noun

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

'Use' is the most general and neutral word for putting something into service. 'Employ' is more formal and often suggests a deliberate, regular, or systematic use of a skill, method, or resource — for example, a company may employ a specific marketing strategy. 'Utilize' carries a more technical tone and implies using something in a way that may not have been its original purpose, such as utilizing shipping containers as housing units. 'Apply' typically means putting knowledge, rules, or methods into practical action — you apply a theory, apply for a job, or apply pressure. When choosing between them, 'use' works in nearly every situation without sounding odd. 'Employ' fits formal or professional contexts. 'Utilize' is best reserved for cases where the resource is being repurposed or used efficiently. For everyday situations, 'use' is almost always the best choice.

employ ↗utilize ↗apply ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • use of resources
  • use of language
  • use of force
  • use of time
  • use of space

Adverbs

Phrases

  • make use of
  • put to use
  • come into use
  • go out of use
  • in use
  • out of use
  • have the use of
  • for the use of

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

From Latin 'usus' meaning 'use, custom, practice, skill', derived from the past participle of the verb 'uti' (to use, enjoy, benefit from). The word passed through Old French 'us' before entering Middle English. The same Latin root has given English 'usage', 'useful', 'utility', 'abuse', and 'misuse'. The sense of 'use up' (consume entirely) appeared in the 14th century, while the depreciating sense of 'use someone' (exploit) developed in the 16th century.