Employ

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Employ" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of using or utilizing something, such as a method, tool, or resource. Example: "We need to employ new strategies to improve our marketing efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 2002 Art Solidari won a €15,000 prize from the city council and that allowed Blasco and López to employ a part-time co-ordinator, the NGO's only paid employee, to recruit and manage the volunteers and the workshops they run.

The Guardian

As a result, producers increase output and employ more people so that employment increases.

The Guardian

If a person doesn't know any English at all, then the question is: why did the employer employ them in the first place?

The Guardian

Though the US terrestrial networks still employ big writers' rooms, to churn out annual runs of 22 episodes, award-winning cable shows now often rely on the creative vision of a single writer (such as Vince Gilligan for Breaking Bad, and Matt Weiner for Mad Men).

The Guardian

We also teach them to deliver the workshops so we can employ them to teach others.

The Guardian

I am now relying on the BBC investing in some Chinese government-style expertise to employ internet censors in Broadcasting House who can be relied on to block only any item which might upset the IOC lawyers – leaving me with the pleasure of hearing the racing tips, Vince Cable, and John Humphrys grumbling about any warm weather that accidentally comes to the UK.

The Guardian

"Because the NHS has not trained or employed enough radiologists to keep up with demand, there has been rapid growth of outsourcing companies who mostly employ NHS consultant radiologists in their 'spare time' to report the backlogs of images which are building up waiting for reports".

The Guardian

Couldn't some enterprising young fashion designer today employ Barlow's Cameron-endorsed visage as a similar cipher for off-the-peg prêt-a-porter moral transgression?

The Guardian - Opinion

There are 180 official 'sex businesses' in the De Wallen quarter, the Amsterdam red light district, which employ about 2,000 prostitutes who are registered, thoroughly inspected and pay tax.

The Guardian

The idea is that each employee, once trained, can train and employ five or six others, meaning the bikes can be produced on a small scale all over Ghana.

The Guardian

Dapaah and her co-founders have trained more than 35 people to make the bikes and are establishing two new workshops outside Kumasi, in the Brong Ahafo region, which will employ around 50 more youths.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "employ" to talk about using strategies, methods, or resources. It suggests putting something into service for a specific purpose. For instance: "We should employ a more efficient system for data analysis."

Common error

Avoid using "employ" in very casual conversations where simpler words like "use" or "hire" would be more appropriate. Overusing "employ" in informal settings can sound overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Employ" is a transitive verb. It signifies the act of hiring someone for work or utilizing something for a particular purpose. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Employ" is a versatile verb meaning to hire someone or to use something effectively. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts. While "Employ" can be used in various situations, it's best to use it in neutral to formal settings. Alternatives include "hire", "utilize", and "make use of", each offering a slightly different nuance. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively communicate your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hire

A more direct synonym focusing specifically on engaging someone for work.

Utilize

Emphasizes the practical application of a resource or method.

Make use of

A more descriptive alternative highlighting the act of using something.

Engage

Implies a formal arrangement for services or participation.

Take on

Often used to indicate assuming a responsibility or task.

Recruit

Specifically refers to finding and hiring new personnel.

Apply

Focuses on using a method, idea or law in a specific situation.

Commission

Suggests ordering or requesting the creation of something.

Enlist

Often used in the context of formally joining or recruiting for a cause or service.

Contract

Involves a formal agreement to provide services or goods.

FAQs

How to use "Employ" in a sentence?

"Employ" can be used to mean 'to hire someone' or 'to make use of something'. For example, "The company plans to "employ" more staff next year" or "The detective decided to "employ" a new strategy".

What can I say instead of "Employ"?

You can use alternatives like "hire", "utilize", or "make use of" depending on the context.

When should I use "Employ" versus "Use"?

"Employ" often suggests a more formal or deliberate use of something than simply "use". For instance, you might ""employ" a specific tactic", but you would "use a tool".

Is it correct to say 'in the employ of'?

Yes, "in the "employ" of" is a correct and common phrase meaning 'working for' or 'employed by' someone or an organization. For example, "She is in the "employ" of a large corporation".