for external use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'for external use' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something (often a tool or device) that is meant for use outside of a particular area or space. For example, "This product is for external use only."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An open source java implementation of EXPLoRA, useful for external use and independent validation is available at: http://bioinformatics.intec.ugent.be/kmarchal/Supplementary_Information_Duitama_2013/.

BMC Genomics

It's for external use only.

The Guardian

It is of course for external use only.

The New York Times

"Canesten cream is for external use only," it said, "and should not be put in the mouth or swallowed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ointments are preparations for external use, intended for application to the skin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By hiring it out for external use, the wider community would also benefit and the school would receive additional funds to pay for its upkeep.

The Guardian

The other four (bought with money given by Edward S. Harkness in 1926) are kept in their natural state and used for external use.

The New Yorker

Like the ubiquitous hotel robe — but for external use — the trenches are complimentary and also available for purchase (£995, about $1,500) at check out.

The New York Times

Drug products containing active ingredients offered over-the-counter (OTC) for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention.

Cornell University

§ 310.527 Drug products containing active ingredients offered over-the-counter (OTC) for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention.

Cornell University

21 CFR § 310.527 - Drug products containing active ingredients offered over-the-counter (OTC) for external use as hair growers or for hair loss prevention.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for external use" on product labels, ensure it is prominently displayed and accompanied by clear instructions to avoid misuse.

Common error

Avoid using "for external use" without clarifying what constitutes external use. Be specific about the areas or surfaces where the product should be applied to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for external use" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the intended application or purpose of a product or substance. Ludwig AI shows the phrase appears in various contexts, primarily to specify that a product should only be applied to the exterior of the body or an object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for external use" is a prepositional phrase primarily used to provide a clear directive regarding the application of a product or substance. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts such as news, science, and academia. It's important to adhere to best practices by ensuring clear and specific instructions when using this phrase, and avoid confusion by clarifying what constitutes external use. The phrase is generally neutral to formal. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively communicate the intended use of a product and prevent potential misuse. Several alternatives like "for outside application" or "for topical administration" can be used based on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for outside application

Focuses on the physical application rather than the general usage.

for surface treatment

More specific, implying a treatment applied to a surface.

for non-internal application

Highlights the exclusion of internal use, emphasizing the opposite.

for topical administration

A medical term specifying application to the skin.

meant for surface application only

Adds emphasis on the intended purpose being limited to surface use.

intended for dermal use only

Specifically targets skin-related applications.

for use on the skin only

Emphasizes the area of application, which is the skin.

for exosomatic use

A more technical and less common term.

not for ingestion

Focuses on the prohibition of swallowing or internal consumption.

solely for superficial application

Stresses the shallowness or surface-level nature of the application.

FAQs

What does "for external use" mean on a product label?

When a product is labeled "for external use only", it means the product is intended to be applied only to the outside of the body and should not be ingested or used internally.

How to use "for external use" in a sentence?

You can use the phrase "for external use" to indicate the intended application of a product, such as: "This ointment is "for external use" only and should not be swallowed."

What is the difference between ""for external use"" and "for topical use"?

"For external use" is a broader term that indicates the product is meant to be used only on the outside of the body. "For topical use" specifically refers to application on the surface of the skin.

What should I do if I accidentally ingest a product labeled ""for external use" only"?

If you accidentally ingest a product labeled ""for external use" only", immediately seek medical advice or contact a poison control center.