discovered a use for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "discovered a use for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to finding a practical application or purpose for something that was previously not recognized. Example: "The researchers discovered a use for the plant extract in treating certain skin conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Chemists must be amused that the food world has discovered a use for an old industrial chemical.

The New York Times - Magazine

One GP stated when referring to a PDA: "So far I have not discovered a use for one".

BMC Nursing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

By R. Davidson The New Yorker, September 20 , 1969P. 48 An illustrated article, the text of which follows: When empty boxes represented life and water pitchers became instruments of torture, it seemed reasonable, also, then, that to become independently wealthy it would be merely necessary to discover a use for beer-can tab openers.

The New Yorker

Discovered a new use for my dad-issued cargo pants: Mobile storage for cell phones I confiscate from my kids.

Huffington Post

She added, "He discovered a new use for guns: healing".

The New Yorker

Recently, addressing an N.R.A. convention in Houston, Taya remarked on how, after leaving the Navy, Kyle "discovered a new use for guns: healing".

The New Yorker

(He and his wife recently had a baby, and discovered a new use for the tool: sterilizing breast pump equipment. Canners, take note).

The New York Times - Food

A blend of novel proteases, such as those we discovered, could possibly find a use for degrading keratinaceous wastes and provide proteins, peptides, and amino acids as valuable ingredients for animal feed.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

Barbara Brown, of Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, "has discovered an unconventional use for her large salad bowl: a cookbook stand".

The New Yorker

Of course, housewives have children who grow into curious teenagers, and medicine-cabinet explorations led the children of boomers to discover a new use for the drug.

Independent

"I question the notion that we must put sensitive consumer data at risk on the off-chance a company might someday discover a valuable use for the information," she said.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "discovered a use for", ensure that the discovery aspect is genuine. The phrase implies that the use was previously unknown or unrecognized.

Common error

Avoid using "discovered a use for" when the application is already widely known or obvious. Overusing the phrase in such contexts can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discovered a use for" functions as a predicate in a sentence, expressing the action of finding a previously unknown or unrealized purpose for something. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase signifies innovative applications in various fields.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "discovered a use for" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating the finding of a previously unknown purpose. While less common, it appears mainly in news and media, and scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal communication, emphasizing novelty in application. When using this phrase, ensure the "discovery" aspect is genuine and avoid overstating the significance of the application. Alternatives like "found a purpose for" or "identified an application for" offer variations in tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Discovered a way to utilize

Focuses on finding a method or approach for using something, rather than a specific use.

Found a purpose for

Focuses on the general act of finding a purpose, lacking the element of discovery.

Found a novel application for

Emphasizes the innovative and original nature of the use.

Identified an application for

More formal and emphasizes the recognition of a specific application.

Determined a function for

Implies a more deliberate and analytical process of finding a use.

Uncovered a utility for

Emphasizes revealing a hidden usefulness.

Detected a potential use for

Highlights the possibility of a future use, rather than an established one.

Realized an advantage in

Shifts the focus to a beneficial aspect or opportunity.

Recognized a benefit in

Highlights the act of understanding advantages of a certain resource.

Ascertained an employment for

More formal and emphasizes determining a specific employment.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "discovered a use for"?

You can use alternatives like "found a purpose for", "identified an application for", or "uncovered a utility for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "discovered a new use for"?

Yes, "discovered a new use for" is grammatically correct and emphasizes that the use is novel or previously unknown. It's similar to "found a novel application for".

What is the difference between "discovered a use for" and "found a use for"?

"Discovered a use for" implies an element of uncovering something previously unknown, while "found a use for" simply means locating or identifying a use, without necessarily implying it was previously hidden.

Can "discovered a use for" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "discovered a use for" is appropriate for formal writing. However, consider using a more formal alternative like "identified an application for" in particularly formal contexts.