find use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'find use' is not correct and cannot be used in written English.
To make it correct, the phrase would need to be changed to either 'find a use' or 'be used'. For example, "This book can be used to find a use for all the odds and ends around the house."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The fibers could also find use in tiny machines.

The New York Times - Science

Holographic prints may also find use among architects and engineers.

The New York Times

This plasma-modified graphene could find use in, e.g., gas or liquid separation, or molecular sensing.

Carbon

This work should find use for the evaluation of existing and new footbridges.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Large stationary redox cells may possibly find use for the storage of solar energy.

Electrochimica Acta

"It is for all people who may find use for it".

The New York Times - Travel

"Social workers need the time and space to find, use and share research.

The Guardian

That versatility could find use in search-and-rescue operations, Dr. Chapin said.

The New York Times

If even Harris, a hard-nosed skeptic, can find use in it, so can you.

The New Yorker

An invention developed for one purpose will sometimes find use in entirely different circumstances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A spongelike shape-memory alloy could find use in communications, robotics, and aerospace.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer using grammatically correct alternatives like "find a use" or "be used" to ensure clarity and credibility in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "find use" as it is grammatically incorrect. Instead, opt for clearer alternatives such as "find a use" or rephrase the sentence to employ "be used" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find use" functions as a verb phrase indicating the discovery or identification of a purpose or application for something. However, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "find use" appears frequently across various domains like Science, News & Media, and Academia, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. It's best to opt for grammatically sound alternatives such as "find a use" or restructuring the sentence to employ phrases like "be used" or "be utilized". These alternatives ensure clarity and credibility in your writing, addressing the grammatical imprecision associated with "find use". Despite its common occurrence, prioritizing grammatical correctness is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be utilized

Replaces "find use" with a more direct and grammatically standard passive voice construction.

be employed

Similar to "be utilized", this phrase suggests a formal and purposeful use.

discover application

Focuses on the act of finding a specific purpose or use for something.

have utility

Emphasizes the usefulness or practicality of something.

prove useful

Highlights the demonstration or validation of something's usefulness.

be of service

Suggests that something can provide assistance or perform a function.

be adapted for

Implies a modification or adjustment to suit a particular purpose.

serve a purpose

Highlights the fulfillment of a specific function or intention.

be put to work

Suggests a practical and active use of something.

gain traction

This implies acceptance and increasing usage, particularly in the context of ideas or technologies.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "find use" in a sentence?

The phrase "find use" is grammatically incorrect. You should use "find a use" or rephrase the sentence using a passive construction like "be used".

What can I say instead of "find use"?

You can use alternatives such as "be utilized", "be employed", or "serve a purpose" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "find use" or "find a use"?

"Find a use" is the grammatically correct phrase. "Find use" is missing the article and sounds awkward.

Is it always wrong to say "find use"?

While commonly found, especially in technical writing, it's generally better to use a grammatically correct alternative like "find a use" or to rephrase the sentence for clarity. For example: "This technology can "be utilized" in various applications".