found a use for

USAGE SUMMARY

"found a use for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are describing a situation in which someone has come up with a practical application for something. For example, in the sentence, "The scientist found a use for the new material and created a prototype," the phrase "found a use for" is used to describe how the scientist put the material to use.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

I bought a sleeping bag as everyone said they were useful but I haven't found a use for it yet.

The Guardian - Money

And he found a use for the eight square feet: landings for two exterior stairways.

The New York Times

Although I've found a use for almost everything that appears in my garden, I draw the line at animals.

The New Yorker

When they moved to Abiquiu, Linda and Jack finally found a use for those heavy iron headboards.

The New York Times - Magazine

The party's Senate leadership, having finally found a use for the Ethics Committee, has ordered up an investigation.

The New York Times

Diageo has already found a use for some of the cash, with the $200m acquisition of whisky company Bushmills yesterday, from fellow drinks firm Pernod Ricard.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

So they give them to us and we find a use for them".

Vice

The Chinese find a use for everything.

The Guardian

You'll find a use for all five of them.

The New Yorker

Laptop users might find a use for it if they're already using full screen apps.

The Guardian - Tech

(A few years later, Martin Luther King, Jr., would find a use for it).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "found a use for", ensure the context clearly indicates both the object or resource and the specific purpose it serves. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "found a use for" when the application is already well-known or obvious. This phrase is best suited for novel or unexpected uses of something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "found a use for" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the discovery or establishment of a practical application for something. Ludwig shows many examples from news and media where it's used to highlight innovative or resourceful uses of existing resources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "found a use for" is a versatile phrase used to describe the discovery or creation of a practical application, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and widely understood. While it appears most frequently in news and media, it's suitable for neutral contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the object and its specific purpose are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider similar phrases like "discovered an application for" or "put to good use" to tailor your language to the precise nuance you intend. Avoid using this phrase when the application is obvious. Ludwig provides numerous examples of correct usage across a variety of reliable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

found a practical application for

Emphasizes the pragmatic and real-world nature of the application.

discovered an application for

Focuses on the discovery aspect, implying the thing was not originally intended for the use.

identified a purpose for

Highlights the recognition of a reason or function for something.

made effective use of

Highlights how an efficient usage took place.

devised a way to utilize

Emphasizes the creative or inventive aspect of using something.

leveraged for a particular purpose

Highlights the strategic advantage gained by using something.

put to good use

Highlights the positive outcome of using something.

turned into something useful

Implies a transformation of something into a beneficial application.

utilized for a specific task

Highlights the action of using it to complete a task.

fashioned into a tool for

Implies adapting something to serve as an instrument for a specific use.

FAQs

How can I use "found a use for" in a sentence?

You can use "found a use for" to describe discovering an application for something previously unused or underutilized. For example, "The community "found a use for" the abandoned building, turning it into a community center".

What can I say instead of "found a use for"?

You can use alternatives like "discovered an application for", "identified a purpose for", or "put to good use" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "found a use for" or "discovered a use for"?

Both "found a use for" and "discovered a use for" are correct, but "discovered" implies a more active or intentional search, while "found" can imply a more accidental finding. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "found a use for" and "created a use for"?

"Found a use for" implies uncovering an existing, perhaps latent, application. "Created a use for", on the other hand, suggests actively designing a new application. For example, you might "find a use for" an old tool, but "create a use for" a new technology.