avail

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "avail" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is of use or help, or to refer to something being available. For example: "The library had many books available to avail myself of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it was to no avail.

The Guardian

But to little avail.

The Economist

But it was to no avail and he eventually decided against mounting a re-election bid.

The Guardian

The consultation period has been laid out, that includes the public hearings, and we will avail of all that".

The Guardian

All this, so far, has been to no avail.

The Guardian

Bournemouth argued with the decision, but to no avail.

The Guardian - Sport

Bishop and Cooper both argued that the goaltender was interfered with – something that, starting next season can be challenged by coaches – but to no avail.

The Guardian - Sport

It is understood British Athletics, the representatives from the event sponsor, Sainsbury's, and his team spent three hours trying to change his mind, but to no avail.

The Guardian - Sport

Section 75 of the Good Friday agreement guarantees the right of every citizen to avail themselves of state services in the region.

The Guardian

While he was not passing judgement on the nature of the charges, he said "if this woman was in the US or Canada for example she would probably be able to avail of herself a freedom of speech defence and certainly some sort of whistleblower protection".

The Guardian

Also in 2013, Weinstein sent a letter to journalists, saying: "I have appealed several times to President Obama to help me but to no avail.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "avail", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of taking advantage of an opportunity or resource. Be mindful of its formal tone, which may not suit all writing styles.

Common error

Avoid using "avail" in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "use" or "take advantage of" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "avail" is as a verb, signifying the act of taking advantage of or making use of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most commonly in contexts where opportunities or resources are being utilized. This is supported by the example sentences provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "avail" is a versatile verb indicating the act of taking advantage of opportunities or resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across various contexts. While appropriate for formal and professional settings, it is less common in casual communication. As the Ludwig examples show, it's often found in contexts related to news and business, where strategic use of resources is emphasized. Remember to consider the tone and register when choosing "avail" to ensure it aligns with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take advantage of

Emphasizes actively using an opportunity or resource; slight shift from merely being available to proactively using it.

make use of

Focuses on utilizing something for a specific purpose; similar to "avail" in that it implies putting something to work.

utilize

A more formal synonym for "use", highlighting the practical application of something.

benefit from

Highlights the positive outcome or advantage gained from using something; shifts focus from the action to the result.

draw on

Suggests using a resource or supply; often used when referring to knowledge or experience.

access

Focuses on the ability to obtain or make use of something; emphasizes availability.

profit by

Similar to "benefit from", but with a stronger emphasis on gaining an advantage or profit.

capitalize on

Emphasizes exploiting an opportunity for maximum gain; carries a slightly more opportunistic connotation.

exploit

Similar to "capitalize on", but with an even stronger connotation of using something to one's advantage, sometimes with negative implications.

employ

Highlights the act of putting something into service or action; suggests a more deliberate and purposeful use.

FAQs

How can I use "avail" in a sentence?

You can use "avail" to indicate taking advantage of an opportunity or resource, such as in the sentence, "I "availed myself" of the opportunity to attend the conference."

What are some alternatives to "avail"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "take advantage of", "make use of", or "utilize".

Is it correct to say "avail of"?

Yes, it is correct to use "avail of", especially in British English. For example, "We will "avail of" all available resources."

What is the difference between "avail" and "available"?

"Avail" is a verb meaning to take advantage of, while "available" is an adjective meaning able to be used or obtained. For example, "I "availed myself" of the available resources."