be used to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be used to work" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be a confusion of "used to working" or "be used to" in different contexts. Example: "I am used to working long hours in my job."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He said the ministers' new Samsungs were "specially protected devices that can be used to work with confidential information".

The Guardian

She says this knowledge can be used to work with the motor industry to improve the resilience of new cars.

The Guardian

This can be used to work not just on listening skills but also speaking and writing activities".

The Guardian

After uploading a photo of a bumblebee, an elegant digital key can be used to work out the identity of the specimen concerned.

The Guardian

The information collected at the moment does not include address or licence fee number, which could be used to work out whether or not people are watching illegally.

The Guardian

The amount of colour seen by each can then be used to work out how they would appear to the human eye.

Independent

The plane's black box recorders have been recovered and will be used to work out what happened in its final moments.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

There are several claims that the nausea problem has either been fixed, or will soon be fixed, or that application design can be used to work-around the problem.

Huffington Post

"But we're not paying attention to how it's being used to work against us".

The New York Times

I'm used to work".

The New York Times - Sports

The LHA is used to work out housing benefit for tenants who rent privately.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you intend to express something that is utilized to perform certain activities, ensure that you clarify the specific purpose or function it serves in that context. For example, "This tool can be used to work efficiently" should become "This tool can be used to improve efficiency."

Common error

Avoid confusing "be used to work" with "be used to working". The former is grammatically incorrect, while the latter means being accustomed to a specific job or activity. Remember to use the gerund form (-ing) after "be used to" when referring to habits or routines.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be used to work" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically intended to express the purpose or function of something. However, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase itself is not considered correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "be used to work" appears frequently across various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect in standard written English. The intended meaning is often to describe the function or purpose of something, but the incorrect structure can lead to confusion. To avoid errors, it's better to use phrases like "be used for" or "be employed for", and remember that "be used to working" (with the -ing form) indicates being accustomed to a certain activity. While this phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science, it's important to ensure grammatical correctness for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be utilized for employment

Replaces "used" with "utilized", implying formal usage and emphasizing job aspect of "work".

be employed for labor

Substitutes "used" with "employed" and "work" with "labor", both indicating more official contexts of being used.

be helpful for doing work

Emphasizes that the subject is helpful in performing work.

be suitable for operating

Focuses on the capability of doing job or service, changing "work" to "operating".

be instrumental in carrying out

Highlights importance; changes "used" to "instrumental" and "work" to "carrying out".

be effective for application

Emphasizes the effectiveness when applied, replaces "work" with application.

be ready to perform tasks

Shifts focus on readiness and job performing, replacing "work" with "tasks".

be designed to produce results

Highlights the purpose of making outcome, changes the meaning of work to produce results.

be adapted to function

Expresses capability of functioning in some kind of situations.

be intended for practical use

Expresses the intention to give a practical use.

FAQs

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

To use "be used to" correctly, follow it with a gerund (verb ending in -ing) when indicating being accustomed to something. For example, say "I am "used to working" late" instead of "I am used to work late".

What are some alternatives to "be used to work" that are grammatically correct?

Instead of "be used to work", you can use phrases like "be used for", "be employed for", or "be utilized for", depending on the context.

Is "be used to work" the same as "used to work"?

No, "be used to work" is generally incorrect, while "used to work" refers to a past habit or state that is no longer true. For example, "I used to work there" means you don't work there anymore.

How does the meaning change if I use "be used to working" instead of "be used to work"?

"Be used to work" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form, "be used to working", means being accustomed or habituated to a particular activity or job. For example, "I am used to working" indicates you are comfortable with the job.