expend energy

USAGE SUMMARY

'expend energy' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the act of using up physical or mental energy to accomplish something. For example: "After an intense workout I had to expend a lot of energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The kidney must expend energy to control water balance (osmoregulation).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human beings aren't designed to expend energy continuously.

The New York Times

You expend energy points to perform actions like feeding pigs, chopping trees or whacking snakes.

The New York Times - Arts

Jagr, who turns 36 on Friday, does not expend energy battling that image.

The New York Times - Sports

Unlike extroverts, who gain energy from social interaction, introverts often expend energy in social situations.

Harvard University

The government should not expend energy and money trying to bail out another private firm.

The Guardian - Business

In the charitable ritual that has evolved, two sides expend energy, but only the sponsors' efforts directly aid the poor.

The New York Times

Aerobic fitness refers to the integrated functional capacity of the heart, lungs, vascular system, and skeletal muscles to expend energy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And if yesterday's game was any indication, the Twins are going to make the Yankees expend energy in this series.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a kind of blockade strategy to force other runners to expend energy to try to get around them.

The New York Times - Sports

Monza was chosen because it is flat and has few bends – runners expend energy when they go around curves.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing efforts to achieve a goal, use "expend energy" to highlight the investment of both physical and mental resources. For instance, "The team had to expend energy overcoming numerous obstacles to complete the project."

Common error

Avoid using "expend energy" when referring only to monetary costs. While "expend" can generally mean 'to spend', it's more fitting to describe the use of effort, resources, or time. Use "spend money" or "invest capital" instead of "expend energy" when talking about financial outlays.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expend energy" functions as a verb phrase where 'expend' is the transitive verb and 'energy' is its direct object. It describes the action of using or consuming energy, whether physical or mental. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expend energy" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase that signifies the use or consumption of energy to accomplish tasks. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Its versatility allows it to fit into various contexts, ranging from formal scientific discussions to everyday news reports. While generally neutral, the phrase subtly emphasizes the effort and resources invested. When writing, consider the broader implications of energy use, and feel free to use alternatives like "use up energy" or "invest effort" for nuanced meaning. Be careful not to confuse it with financial expenditures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

use up energy

Emphasizes the depletion aspect of energy consumption.

consume energy

Focuses on the intake or utilization of energy.

invest effort

Highlights the dedication of effort towards a specific goal.

devote resources

Shifts the focus to a broader range of resources, not just energy.

apply oneself

Implies a concentrated and directed application of effort.

exert oneself

Focuses on the physical or mental strain involved.

put in work

An informal way to describe dedicating effort.

drain resources

Emphasizes the negative impact of using up resources.

sap strength

Focuses on the gradual loss of power and vitality.

require exertion

Indicates that a task needs physical or mental effort.

FAQs

How can I use "expend energy" in a sentence?

You can use "expend energy" to describe the act of using up physical or mental energy to accomplish something. For example, "The athlete had to expend energy to finish the race."

What are some alternatives to "expend energy"?

You can use alternatives like "use up energy", "consume energy", or "invest effort" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "expend energy" or "use energy"?

Both "expend energy" and "use energy" are correct, but "expend energy" often implies a greater or more deliberate effort. Consider the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to "expend energy" wisely?

To "expend energy" wisely means to use your effort and resources efficiently and effectively, avoiding unnecessary waste or strain. It involves careful planning and prioritization of tasks.