employ

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "employ" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of using or utilizing something, often in the context of hiring or applying a method or tool. Example: "We need to employ new strategies to improve our marketing efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 2002 Art Solidari won a €15,000 prize from the city council and that allowed Blasco and López to employ a part-time co-ordinator, the NGO's only paid employee, to recruit and manage the volunteers and the workshops they run.

The Guardian

As a result, producers increase output and employ more people so that employment increases.

The Guardian

If a person doesn't know any English at all, then the question is: why did the employer employ them in the first place?

The Guardian

Though the US terrestrial networks still employ big writers' rooms, to churn out annual runs of 22 episodes, award-winning cable shows now often rely on the creative vision of a single writer (such as Vince Gilligan for Breaking Bad, and Matt Weiner for Mad Men).

The Guardian

We also teach them to deliver the workshops so we can employ them to teach others.

The Guardian

I am now relying on the BBC investing in some Chinese government-style expertise to employ internet censors in Broadcasting House who can be relied on to block only any item which might upset the IOC lawyers – leaving me with the pleasure of hearing the racing tips, Vince Cable, and John Humphrys grumbling about any warm weather that accidentally comes to the UK.

The Guardian

"Because the NHS has not trained or employed enough radiologists to keep up with demand, there has been rapid growth of outsourcing companies who mostly employ NHS consultant radiologists in their 'spare time' to report the backlogs of images which are building up waiting for reports".

The Guardian

Couldn't some enterprising young fashion designer today employ Barlow's Cameron-endorsed visage as a similar cipher for off-the-peg prêt-a-porter moral transgression?

The Guardian - Opinion

There are 180 official 'sex businesses' in the De Wallen quarter, the Amsterdam red light district, which employ about 2,000 prostitutes who are registered, thoroughly inspected and pay tax.

The Guardian

The idea is that each employee, once trained, can train and employ five or six others, meaning the bikes can be produced on a small scale all over Ghana.

The Guardian

Dapaah and her co-founders have trained more than 35 people to make the bikes and are establishing two new workshops outside Kumasi, in the Brong Ahafo region, which will employ around 50 more youths.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "employ", consider whether a more specific term like "hire" or "utilize" would provide greater clarity depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "employ" in casual conversation; simpler words like "use" or "get" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "employ" is as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. It indicates the act of hiring someone for work or using something for a specific purpose. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts like businesses hiring staff or using strategies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "employ" functions primarily as a transitive verb with the core meanings of hiring someone or utilizing something. Ludwig AI indicates that the term is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While interchangeable with synonyms like "hire" or "utilize", it often carries a slightly more formal tone. When writing, be mindful of the context to ensure the best fit, avoiding overuse in overly casual settings. Ultimately, "employ" remains a versatile and reliable option for describing strategic staffing or resource use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hire

Focuses specifically on the act of engaging someone for work.

Utilize

Emphasizes the practical use of something, often resources or tools.

Engage

Suggests involving someone or something in an activity or process.

Recruit

Specifically refers to the process of finding and hiring new people.

Appoint

Suggests formally choosing someone for a specific role or position.

Take on

Implies accepting someone into a team or organization.

Commission

Suggests ordering or requesting a specific service or work.

Secure the services of

Formally arranging for someone's skills or expertise to be used.

Make use of

Highlights the act of putting something to a particular purpose.

Contract

Refers to hiring someone under a formal agreement.

FAQs

How to use "employ" in a sentence?

"Employ" can be used to mean to hire someone for a job or to use something for a particular purpose. For example, "The company will "employ" more staff this year" or "We need to "employ" better strategies."

What can I say instead of "employ"?

You can use alternatives like "hire", "utilize", or "engage" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "employ" or "hire"?

Both "employ" and "hire" are correct, but "hire" is generally used specifically for engaging someone for work, while "employ" can also mean to make use of something.

What's the difference between "employ" and "use"?

"Employ" often implies a more deliberate or strategic use compared to "use". You might "employ" a method, but simply "use" a tool.