already used for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "already used for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been utilized for a specific purpose prior to the current context. Example: "This software is already used for data analysis in several departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Surveys are already used for the third method.

The New York Times - Sports

But 61 of them are already used for the 20 natural amino acids.

The New York Times - Science

Many low-fare airlines use planes already used for years by other airlines.

The New York Times

Proportional representation is already used for Scottish local elections and Scottish Parliament elections.

Independent

Some dream that cottonseed oil, already used for cooking, could one day power America's cars.

The Economist

And the site, which is already used for Muslim worship, would include a mosque.

The New York Times

A Johnson & Johnson drug, Remicade, already used for rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease, won approval for psoriasis in September.

The New York Times

The technique will also be studied in the United States, and it is already used for the initial radiation treatment in lumpectomy patients in some American hospitals.

The New York Times - Health

The robot is already used for heart bypass operations and to remove cancers throughout the body, including those in the lungs, throat, prostate, bladder, spleen and colon.

The Guardian

One is point-of-origin bag matching, a technique already used for international flights that will soon become dominant for domestic travel, too.

The New York Times - Travel

But many of the practicing dermatologists on the advisory committee said that Amevive seemed less harmful than some of the other treatments already used for psoriasis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "already used for" to clearly indicate that something is not a novel application, providing context and avoiding the assumption of newness.

Common error

Avoid using "already used for" with words like 'previously' or 'before' in the same sentence, as it creates redundancy. For example, instead of saying "It was previously already used for...", simply state "It was "already used for"...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "already used for" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a purpose or application that has been previously established. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "already used for" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed prepositional phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it correctly indicates that something has a pre-existing application. As shown by the multiple examples provided, the phrase sees common usage in contexts such as Science and News & Media. When using "already used for", avoid redundancy by omitting words like 'previously'. It's a neutral term suitable for various writing styles, and its semantic meaning can be closely matched by alternatives like "previously employed for" and "previously utilized for".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

previously employed for

Replaces "already used" with a more formal term, emphasizing prior utilization.

previously utilized for

Replaces "already used" with a formal expression, highlighting past application.

has been used for

Focuses on the action and completion, rather than immediacy.

formerly applied to

Emphasizes a past, but not necessarily current, application.

historically used for

Highlights the use over a longer period of time.

traditionally used for

Implies the use is part of established practice.

long been used for

Emphasizes the duration of prior use.

commonly used for

Highlights the widespread nature of the prior use.

established practice for

Suggests that the function is proven.

well-established for

Emphasizes the history and success of the application.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "already used for" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "previously employed for", or "previously utilized for". These options provide a sophisticated alternative to "already used for".

Is it redundant to say "previously already used for"?

Yes, using "previously" with "already used for" is redundant. It's better to simply say ""already used for"" or "previously used for" to avoid unnecessary repetition.

What's the difference between "already used for" and "commonly used for"?

""Already used for"" indicates that something has been used for a purpose at least once, while "commonly used for" suggests that the use is widespread or frequent.

Can "already used for" be applied to abstract concepts, or just physical objects?

""Already used for"" can apply to both. For instance, "This method is "already used for" data analysis" (abstract) or "This tool is "already used for" construction" (physical).