can make use of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can make use of" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that something has the ability or opportunity to use something else. Example: "I can make use of my computer skills to help me find a job."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is why they are pressurizing us, so we can make use of this support".

The New York Times

But he can make use of men who are.

The New York Times

I think you can make use of them".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In such situations, he can make use of his ability to parody vanity.

The New York Times

Too few can make use of I.R.A.'s and 401(k) plans.

The New York Times

"And no one else but sponges can make use of that source".

The New York Times - Science

"In architecture today you can make use of all the possibilities of reinforced concrete.

Independent

We can make use of it.

Forbes

And then, SU can make use of 42.9% of the time for each channel.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The proposed methods above can make use of the average channel gains instead.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Managers can make use of real and accrual-based EM to positively affect ROA.

International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the subject of the sentence clearly benefits from using the object described with the phrase "can make use of". For example, "Students can make use of online resources to improve their learning."

Common error

Avoid using reflexive pronouns unnecessarily with "can make use of". It is incorrect to say "They can make use of themselves", unless the intended meaning is that they are exploiting each other, and usually not a correct use case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can make use of" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating the ability or possibility to utilize something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It combines the modal verb 'can' with the verb phrase 'make use of' to express potential or opportunity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can make use of" signifies the ability or opportunity to utilize something. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and commonly used. Its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly science, news, and wiki as shown by Ludwig's examples. Alternative phrases like "can utilize" or "can employ" offer more concise options. Remember to use the phrase when the subject clearly benefits from the action and avoid unnecessary reflexive pronouns. Understanding these nuances will enhance your writing clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can utilize

Replaces "make use of" with a single verb, "utilize", simplifying the phrase while maintaining a similar meaning.

can employ

Similar to "utilize", "employ" offers a more concise alternative with a slightly more formal tone.

can take advantage of

This alternative emphasizes benefiting from an opportunity or resource.

can leverage

A more business-oriented term suggesting using something to gain an advantage or achieve a goal.

can capitalize on

Similar to "take advantage of", but with a stronger connotation of exploiting an opportunity for profit or gain.

can harness

Suggests controlling and directing something for a specific purpose, often energy or resources.

can draw on

Implies using something as a source of support or inspiration.

can benefit from

Focuses on receiving a positive outcome from using something.

can exploit

Implies utilizing something to the fullest extent, sometimes with a negative connotation of overusing or unfairly benefiting.

can apply

Suggests putting something into practical use in a specific context.

FAQs

What does "can make use of" mean?

The phrase "can make use of" means to be able to utilize something for a particular purpose or to take advantage of an available resource or opportunity.

How can I use "can make use of" in a sentence?

You can use "can make use of" by indicating who or what is able to utilize something. For example, "Researchers "can make use of" this data to draw conclusions."

What are some alternatives to "can make use of"?

Some alternatives include "can utilize", "can employ", or "can take advantage of". The best choice depends on the context.

Is "can make use of" formal or informal?

"Can make use of" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While acceptable in most contexts, alternatives like "can employ" might be preferred in very formal writing.