an appropriate use of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an appropriate use of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing whether a particular action, method, or resource is suitable or fitting in a given context. Example: "In this situation, an appropriate use of the available resources would be to allocate funds towards community development projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Is this an appropriate use of water in a desert'?

The Guardian

"This was an appropriate use of that particular helicopter".

The New York Times

The enforcement notice warned activists that the camp was not "an appropriate use of land".

The Guardian

"This sounds like marvelous opportunity for Newtown and an appropriate use of state lands".

The New York Times

Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, said it was an appropriate use of presidential time.

The New York Times

"Striving for the unachievable is not an appropriate use of resources," she said.

The New York Times - Science

It wouldn't be an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars to support that kind of language.

The New York Times

The administration said this was "an appropriate use of the hardship exemption".

The New York Times

The police are paid to intervene in those situations and Taser can be an appropriate use of force," he said.

The Guardian

"We are continuing to examine potential foreclosure mitigation ideas that may be an appropriate" use of the funds.

The New York Times

Critics of the complex suggest this type of harbourside accommodation is not an appropriate use of taxpayers' funds.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating resource allocation, explicitly state the criteria that define "an appropriate use of" those resources. This adds transparency and justification to your decision.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "an appropriate use of" without providing specific context. Clearly define what makes the use 'appropriate' in the given situation to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an appropriate use of" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, indicating whether the utilization of something is suitable or fitting within a given context. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an appropriate use of" is a versatile phrase employed to evaluate the suitability of an action, method, or resource in a given context. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains, including news and media, science, and formal business settings. To enhance clarity and impact, specify the criteria that define 'appropriate' in your specific scenario. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, ensuring broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fitting application of

Replaces 'appropriate use' with 'fitting application', emphasizing suitability for a specific purpose.

a suitable employment of

Substitutes 'use' with 'employment', suggesting a deliberate and effective utilization.

a proper application of

Emphasizes correctness and adherence to standards in the utilization of something.

a judicious implementation of

Highlights careful and wise handling or execution, changing 'use' to 'implementation'.

a well-considered application of

Indicates that the use has been carefully thought out and planned.

a sensible application of

Suggests a practical and reasonable utilization of resources or methods.

an advisable employment of

Replaces 'appropriate use' with 'advisable employment', implying a recommended or suggested action.

a strategic utilization of

Emphasizes the planned and tactical use of something to achieve a specific goal.

a sound implementation of

Highlights a solid and reliable execution or deployment of something.

an optimal exploitation of

Indicates using something in the most efficient and beneficial way possible.

FAQs

How can I determine if something is "an appropriate use of" resources?

To determine if something is "an appropriate use of" resources, consider its effectiveness in achieving objectives, its cost-efficiency compared to alternatives, and its alignment with ethical and strategic priorities. Transparency and justification are essential.

What are some alternatives to saying "an appropriate use of"?

You can use alternatives like "a "fitting application of"", "a "suitable employment of"", or "a "proper application of"" depending on the context.

Is it always clear what constitutes "an appropriate use of" something?

No, what constitutes "an appropriate use of" something often depends on context, stakeholders' perspectives, and prevailing standards or guidelines. Clear communication and justification are essential when applying this phrase.

What's the difference between "an appropriate use of" and "an efficient use of"?

"An appropriate use of" implies suitability and correctness for a given purpose, while "an efficient use of" focuses on maximizing output or minimizing waste. Something can be appropriate without being the most efficient, and vice versa.