be used on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be used on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the application or function of an object, tool, or method in relation to something else. Example: "This software can be used on various operating systems, including Windows and macOS."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The amnesty clause can be used on only one player.

The New York Times - Sports

Both can be used on any network.

The Guardian - Money

They may not be used on sidewalks.

The New York Times

Should such weapons be used on civilians?

The Guardian - Books

Can these be used on people too?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The subscription can be used on compatible Android devices.

The Guardian

They are handheld and can be used on the move.

The Guardian

Ultimately it could be used on other lines as well.

The New York Times

In desperation, could chicken vaccine be used on humans?

The New York Times

The Bentley will be used on formal occasions.

The New York Times

"It can be used on liquids as well," he added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the intended use of a product or method, ensure that the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "It can "be used on"", specify "This cream can "be used on" the face and body".

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice with "be used on" as it can make writing sound indirect and less engaging. Whenever possible, rephrase sentences to use the active voice. For example, instead of "The tool can "be used on" various materials", try "You can use the tool on various materials".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be used on" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject receives an action performed by an unspecified agent. Ludwig provides several examples illustrating how this phrase is employed in various contexts to describe the application or suitability of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

27%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be used on" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to indicate the application or suitability of something for a specific target. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and understood. It appears most frequently in news articles, wikis, and academic writing. While generally neutral in tone, writers should be mindful of overusing the passive voice. Alternatives like "be applied to" or "be suitable for" can offer more nuanced meaning depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be applied to

Focuses on the act of applying something to a surface or object.

be employed for

Emphasizes the purpose or reason for using something.

be implemented in

Suggests a more formal or systematic application.

be suitable for

Highlights the appropriateness of something for a specific use.

be effective on

Focuses on the efficacy or success of something when used on something else.

be administered to

Implies a more controlled or medical application.

be exerted upon

Suggests a force or influence being applied.

be brought to bear on

Highlights the concentrated application of effort or resources.

be brought into play on

Indicates something is being activated or utilized in a certain situation.

be put to use on

Emphasizes the practical application of something.

FAQs

What does "be used on" mean?

The phrase "be used on" indicates that something is suitable or intended for application or utilization on a specific object, surface, or entity. It highlights the relationship between a tool, product, or method and what it affects or acts upon.

What are some alternatives to "be used on"?

Alternatives include "be applied to", "be employed for", or "be suitable for", depending on the specific context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Is it better to say "be used on" or "be used for"?

The choice depends on the context. "Be used on" specifies the target of an action or application, while "be used for" indicates the purpose or reason for using something. For example, "This cream can "be used on" the face" versus "This tool can be used for cutting wood."

Can "be used on" be replaced with a single word?

While a single word replacement might not always capture the exact meaning, words like "applicable", "suitable", or "employable" could sometimes serve as substitutes, depending on the intended emphasis.