I made use of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I made use of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you utilized or employed something for a specific purpose. Example: "In my research, I made use of various statistical methods to analyze the data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Though I was unable to get down to 92Y Tribeca to see it the right way on the big screen, I made use of a scrappy but adequate home-made DVD, burned seemingly off a TV broadcast, to watch at home with my daughters.

The New Yorker

"I made use of every minute," Cohen said.

The New York Times - Sports

I made use of that, photographing a Bertone concept car with two incredibly high gullwing doors.

The New York Times

He lived through it, and I made use of it, embellishing it as I saw fit.

The New Yorker

I made use of the exposure equation in the paper, setting the area to be the area of the aperture of the lens closest to the film.

Stanford University

There are numerous hardship funds, college bursaries, and university-wide grants on offer – most of which I made use of during my three years as an undergraduate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

How could I make use of multi-threading here?

Yale University

To test this hypothesis, I make use of patent data and patent citations.

Research Policy

I make use of an ergonomic pen and, for school exams, I used a computer.

Independent

To achieve these multiple goals in a 50-minute section I make use of a specially designed group activity.

University of California, Berkeley

To appreciate the poetry more deeply I make use of work in folklore, social anthropology and linguistics.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing academically or professionally, consider using synonyms like "utilized" or "employed" for a more formal tone instead of "I made use of".

Common error

Avoid using "I made use of" in very informal conversations. Simpler alternatives like "I used" or "I took advantage of" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I made use of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of utilizing or employing something. Ludwig's examples show it in various contexts, from describing the use of resources to exploiting opportunities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I made use of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the utilization of something for a particular purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is versatile, appearing in contexts ranging from News & Media to Science and Academia. While it's considered acceptable, synonyms like "utilized" or "employed" might be more appropriate for formal settings. Understanding the nuances of when and how to use "I made use of" ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I utilized

Replaces "made use of" with a more formal verb, emphasizing efficient use.

I employed

Similar to 'utilized', 'employed' suggests a deliberate and strategic use.

I took advantage of

This implies leveraging an opportunity or resource that was available.

I capitalized on

Similar to 'took advantage of', but suggests a more proactive and strategic approach to benefit.

I leveraged

Suggests using something to gain an advantage or achieve a specific outcome.

I drew on

This implies using knowledge, experience, or resources that one possesses.

I exploited

Implies using something in a way that is possibly unfair or selfish, but also potentially very effective.

I profited from

Focuses on the benefit or gain derived from using something.

I harnessed

This suggests controlling and directing something for a specific purpose.

I applied

Highlights the practical implementation of a method or resource.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "I made use of" in formal writing?

In formal contexts, you can replace "I made use of" with phrases like "I utilized", "I employed", or "I leveraged" to maintain a professional tone.

How can I express that I used an opportunity effectively?

To express that you used an opportunity effectively, consider using phrases such as "I took advantage of" or "I capitalized on".

Is "I made use of" appropriate for scientific writing?

Yes, "I made use of" is suitable for scientific writing. However, using more formal alternatives like "I utilized" might be preferred to enhance the technical tone.

What is the difference between "I used" and "I made use of"?

"I used" is a more direct and simple way of saying you employed something. "I made use of" often implies a more deliberate or strategic application, though the difference is subtle and context-dependent.