economize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "economize" is a correct and usable word in English.
You can use it when discussing how to save or use resources in the most efficient manner. For example, "In order to save on energy costs, we need to economize our use of electricity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All that the users of tin need to know is that some of the tin they used to consume is now more profitably employed elsewhere and that, in consequence, they must economize tin.

The Economist

Along with the president's daughters, she volunteered at a Red Cross canteen and encouraged American women to economize on food so that soldiers could eat better.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Moreover, employees may suspect that the doctors and nurses working in such services owe their primary loyalty to the employer and thus tend to economize on the treatment or are reluctant to certify time off for sickness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Shortages of materials both during and immediately after the war led to the introduction of "utility" styles, especially in Britain, where government rulings insisted on the removal of all superfluous trimmings, including pockets and pleats, and restricted the fullness of garments in order to economize on the amount of fabric used.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With declining income, Sullivan moved to progressively cheaper hotels in an effort to economize.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To economize he left England and joined Deyverdun in a house at Lausanne.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The common thread was that these clubs were in the sections of town where African Americans lived, and the established record business had almost abandoned this market during World War II, when a shortage of shellac (then the principal raw material of record manufacture) caused them to economize.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By using bronze, a better casting metal than copper, and molds, it was possible to economize on metal by hafting a short chisel to a wooden handle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The king also tried to economize in the expenditure of his household.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Michael's son Andronicus II (reigned 1282 1328) unwisely attempted to economize by cutting down the size of the army and disbanding the navy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

February 4, 1749 Ashton-under-Lyne, England March 1, 1829 London, England Thomas Earnshaw, (born Feb. 4, 1749, Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, Eng. died March 1 , 1829 London) English watchmaker, the first to simplify and economize in producing chronometers so as to make them available to the general public.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about financial planning or resource management, use "economize" to convey a sense of strategic saving and efficiency. For example: "The company decided to economize by reducing travel expenses and switching to more energy-efficient equipment."

Common error

Instead of saying "Expenses were economized by the department," use the active voice: "The department economized on expenses". This makes your writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "economize" is as an intransitive verb, indicating the act of reducing expenditure or using resources sparingly. As Ludwig AI confirms, this word is correct and usable in English. Ludwig's examples also show how it fits into a wider range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "economize" functions as a verb signifying the act of reducing expenditure or utilizing resources more efficiently. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and broadly applicable. Analysis of various sources reveals that "economize" is frequently employed in contexts related to news and media, encyclopedias, and science, suggesting its relevance across diverse domains. Its usage is neutral to formal. To enhance writing, use "economize" in active voice to create a more direct tone, and consider alternatives like "save money" or "cut costs" for variety. Overall, understanding the nuances of "economize" allows for more precise and effective communication regarding resource management.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cut costs

Focuses on reducing expenses, often in a business context.

save money

Emphasizes the act of accumulating funds by avoiding spending.

reduce expenditure

A more formal way of saying "spend less".

be frugal

Highlights careful and restrained spending habits.

conserve resources

Focuses on using resources wisely to avoid waste.

tighten belts

Idiomatic expression suggesting a period of reduced spending due to financial constraints.

retrench spending

Implies a significant and often sudden reduction in spending.

practice thrift

Stresses the importance of avoiding waste and extravagance.

husband resources

To manage carefully and avoid wasting something such as money or supplies.

streamline operations

Implies improving efficiency and reducing waste within a system or process.

FAQs

How do you use "economize" in a sentence?

You can use "economize" to describe the act of reducing spending or using resources more efficiently. For example, "Families are trying to "economize" on fuel due to rising gas prices".

What can I say instead of "economize"?

Alternatives to "economize" include "save money", "cut costs", or "reduce expenditure", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "economize on" or "economize in"?

"Economize on" is the more common and generally preferred construction. For example: "We need to "economize on" our energy consumption."

What's the difference between "economize" and "save"?

"Economize" implies a strategic effort to reduce waste and use resources efficiently, while "save" generally refers to setting aside money for future use. You "economize" on resources, but you save money.