be used in

USAGE SUMMARY

"be used in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to explain the way that something is used or applied in a certain context. For example, "This technique can be used in physics to measure the speed of light."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This can then be used in weapons.

The Guardian

It can't be used in this household.

The New Yorker

Could be used in neighbourhood disputes.

The Guardian

Can it be used in a cake?

The New York Times - Food

Music can be used in rehab.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Plutonium can be used in nuclear warheads.

The Guardian

not be used in official communications.

The New York Times

Any stem can be used in stock.

The New York Times - Food

Thirteen stadiums will be used in total.

The Guardian

The flowers can be used in bouquets.

Britannica

They can be used in several ways.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be used in", ensure that the subject clearly indicates what is being used and the context or application is well-defined for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "be used in" with an ambiguous subject. Always clarify what is being employed to prevent confusion. For example, instead of "It can be used in cooking", specify "This type of oil can be used in cooking".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be used in" functions primarily as a passive construction, indicating that a subject is being acted upon or employed within a specific context. Ludwig examples showcase this use in various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be used in" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction employed to denote the application or context of something. As Ludwig AI points out, it accurately communicates where or how something is utilized. Its prevalence across various sources, including news media, academia, and encyclopedias, underscores its widespread acceptance and applicability. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to ensure clarity by specifying the subject and context. Related phrases like "be applied in" and "be utilized for" offer stylistic alternatives. By avoiding ambiguity and maintaining contextual clarity, writers can effectively leverage the utility of "be used in" across diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be applied in

Highlights the act of putting something to use within a specific area or field.

be employed within

Replaces "used" with "employed", suggesting a more formal or official application.

be implemented within

Implies a structured or planned use, often in a procedural or organizational context.

be utilized for

Emphasizes the functional application of something, replacing "in" with "for" to highlight purpose.

be leveraged in

Highlights the strategic use of something to gain an advantage or achieve a specific outcome.

find application in

Focuses on where something can be relevantly used, changing the grammatical structure.

have a role in

Describes something's function or involvement in a particular process or situation.

be incorporated into

Suggests integration or inclusion as part of a larger system or structure.

be harnessed for

Highlights the controlled and directed application of resources for a specific purpose.

be consumed by

Focuses on how the entity can be integrated into other entity, usually in a physical way.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "be used in"?

You can use phrases like "be applied in", "be utilized for", or "be employed within" depending on the context.

How can I use "be used in" in a sentence?

Use "be used in" to describe the context or application of something. For example, "This tool can be used in gardening", or "These methods can be used in data analysis".

Is it better to use "be used in" or "be utilized for"?

Both phrases are correct, but "be utilized for" may sound more formal or technical. The best choice depends on the tone and audience of your writing. In general usage, both are interchangeable to some extent.

What is the difference between "be used in" and "be implemented within"?

"Be implemented within" suggests a more structured or planned application, often in a procedural or organizational context, while "be used in" is a more general term for application or employment.