an utilization

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an utilization" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of using something, particularly in a formal or technical context. Example: "The study focuses on an utilization of renewable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Using a total mass of 1.20 kg of gadolinium spheres (of 400 500 microns) as refrigerant and distilled water as regenerating fluid, the device produced a maximum temperature span of 13.5 K under zero applied thermal load with an utilization factor of 1.40 and a heat rejection temperature of 298 K.

International Journal of Refrigeration

The execution time of tasks is generated imposing an utilization factor of each point uniformly distributed in each interval.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Anti-inflammatory medication, tumor necrosis factor inhibitor, or matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor as pharmacotherapy [74], or an utilization of occlusal splints to reduce the joint loading [75] can help prevent resorption process.

Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

City Hall and CPS argued the sweeping closures are necessary if the district is to close a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall and address what it's deemed an "utilization crisis" at its school buildings.

Huffington Post

The district and Mayor Emanuel have put up a unified front in support of the closings, arguing they're necessary if the district is to close a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall and address what it's deemed an "utilization crisis" at its school buildings.

Huffington Post

For these reasons at the moment it is not possible an utilization of these parameters in clinical practice.

Cardiovascular Diabetology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"Transitive Refraction Axis for John Oswald" isn't a rendition of a song, but a utilization of a songwriting process.

Vice

§ 3271.11 Who may apply for a permit to build a utilization facility?

Cornell University

§ 3273.10 When do I need a site license for a utilization facility?

Cornell University

Length of stay was selected as an outcome as it represents a utilization outcome.

BMC Health Services Research

Readmission is a utilization measure, measuring whether a patient uses hospital care within 30 days of discharge.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "a utilization" instead of "an utilization". This correction is based on standard English grammar rules regarding article usage before nouns.

Common error

Avoid using "an" before words that start with a consonant sound, even if the first letter is a vowel but sounds like a consonant. "Utilization" is one of those words that should always be preceded by the article "a".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an utilization" attempts to function as a noun phrase, specifying a particular instance of using something. However, this usage is grammatically flawed, as highlighted by Ludwig's analysis. Proper article usage dictates using 'a' before consonant sounds.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "an utilization" appears in various sources, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect because "utilization" begins with a consonant sound. Ludwig’s analysis indicates that the intended function is to describe instances of using something across scientific, news, and formal business contexts. For clearer and more grammatically sound writing, it's best to opt for alternatives like "a use of" or "the use of". Always remember that accurate grammar enhances the credibility and clarity of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a use of

Replaces "an utilization" with a more standard and grammatically correct phrase.

the use of

Specifies a particular instance of utilization, making it definite.

application of

Focuses on the practical implementation or deployment of something.

employment of

Highlights the act of putting something to work or service.

implementation of

Emphasizes the process of putting a plan or system into effect.

exercise of

Suggests the act of exerting or applying a right, power, or quality.

adoption of

Focuses on the acceptance and start of using something new.

exploitation of

Implies making full use of a resource or situation, sometimes with a negative connotation.

capitalization on

Highlights taking advantage of an opportunity or resource for benefit.

leveraging of

Indicates using something to its maximum advantage.

FAQs

Should I use "a utilization" or "an utilization"?

Always use "a utilization". The word "utilization" begins with a consonant sound, so it requires the indefinite article "a", not "an".

What are some alternatives to "an utilization"?

Consider using alternatives like "a use of", "application of", or "employment of" for better grammatical accuracy.

Why is "an utilization" considered grammatically incorrect?

The rule is to use "an" before words that begin with a vowel sound, not just a vowel. Since "utilization" starts with a 'yoo' sound, which is consonantal, "a" is the correct article.

Is it ever correct to use "an" before a word starting with 'u'?

Yes, if the 'u' has a vowel sound, as in "an umbrella". However, when the 'u' sounds like 'yoo', as in "utilization" or "university", use "a".