employ something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "employ something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of using or utilizing a particular tool, method, or resource for a specific purpose. Example: "To improve efficiency, we decided to employ new software that automates our reporting process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Indirectly, we employ something like that many people today.

Harvard Business Review

We've also found new ways of disposing of it: on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's Mattapan line, they employ something called Snowzilla, a snow-blower powered by an old jet engine from the Korean War.

The New Yorker

Many such companies employ something called multilevel marketing: Their salespeople earn money not only by selling products; they also get rewarded for recruiting more salespeople — qualifying for bonuses or other compensation based on purchases made by those that they enlist, Keep says.

The Washington Post

Altogether, Atomic companies employ something like 450 people.

TechCrunch

We also employ something called distributive practice to counter what's known as Ebbinghaus's forgetting curve.

University of Chicago

They will also have to pay tax on their profits and for each person they employ, something which could dramatically boost the government's income.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Some start-up types go even further, employing something like a language of digital wellness.

The New York Times

To do this he proposed employing something called a ferrofluid, which responds to magnetic fields.

The Economist

In recent years, the department has tried to pierce the gangs by employing something it refer to as "call-ins".

The New Yorker

As the dance progresses from one letter to the next, Ms. Buglisi employs something akin to the Ken Burns style — projected text flashes by on a backdrop.

The New York Times - Arts

Bartlett's structure takes time to grasp but employs something of the collage technique of a movie such as Robert Altman's Short Cuts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about methods or strategies, use "employ something" to indicate a deliberate and purposeful application. For example, "The company will employ a new marketing strategy to increase sales."

Common error

Avoid using "employ something" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "use" or "try" to maintain a natural tone. For example, instead of "I'll employ this technique", say "I'll use this technique".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "employ something" functions as a transitive verb phrase. It indicates the action of utilizing a particular method, strategy, or tool for a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is often used to describe how something is being used to achieve an end.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "employ something" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the utilization of a method, strategy, or tool. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It finds frequent use in formal and professional writing across various domains, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While direct synonyms like "use something" exist, "employ" carries a more formal tone. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, ensure it aligns with the overall formality of the piece and avoid overuse in casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utilize something

Focuses on practical and effective use.

apply something

Emphasizes the implementation of a method or technique.

use something

Is a more general term for putting something into service.

implement something

Suggests a more structured and formal application.

adopt something

Indicates choosing and starting to use a new method or technology.

exercise something

Implies the active use of a skill or right.

harness something

Conveys the idea of controlling and using power or resources.

exploit something

Can suggest using something to its fullest potential, sometimes with a negative connotation.

leverage something

Highlights using something to gain an advantage.

draw on something

Indicates using past experience or knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "employ something" in a sentence?

The phrase "employ something" is used to indicate the use of a method, strategy, or tool to achieve a particular purpose. For example: "The company decided to employ a new software to improve efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "employ something"?

You can use alternatives like "utilize something", "apply something", or "use something" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "employ something" or "use something"?

"Employ something" is more formal than "use something". Use "employ" when you want to emphasize a deliberate or strategic application.

When is it appropriate to use "employ something" in writing?

Use "employ something" in formal writing, business reports, or academic papers to convey a sense of professionalism and strategic thinking. It's less suitable for casual conversation or informal contexts.