go unused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go unused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not being utilized or is left idle. Example: "Many resources in the warehouse go unused due to poor inventory management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Entire mental faculties go unused.

The New York Times

That $4.5 million would go unused.

The New York Times - Sports

Most years, millions of doses go unused.

The New York Times - Health

This leaves only one vacant port which will go unused.

Cornell University

How could things go unused like that for years?

The New York Times - Books

But when you slump in a chair, they go unused.

The Washington Post

So there are a number of skills that go unused".

The New York Times

Government borrowing doesn't crowd out private investment; it mobilizes funds that would otherwise go unused.

The New York Times

Unheated winter gardens and balconies often go unused in modern apartment towers.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Those spaces went unused.

The New York Times

So his labor goes unused, his car goes unused.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing resources or opportunities, use "go unused" to emphasize the potential loss or inefficiency of not utilizing them. For example, "Don't let your skills go unused; seek opportunities to apply them."

Common error

Ensure clarity by placing "go unused" close to the noun or subject it modifies. Misplaced modifiers can create confusion. For example, instead of "The reports go unused in the filing cabinet", write "The reports in the filing cabinet go unused."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go unused" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, describing the state or result of something not being used. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it often appears to modify nouns, indicating a lack of utilization or a missed opportunity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

18%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go unused" is a grammatically sound and frequently encountered verb phrase that describes a state of non-utilization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct to use in written English. Its versatile nature allows it to fit into various contexts, from formal academic papers to informal news articles. While it's generally safe to use, be mindful of placement to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "remain unutilized" or "stay idle" for varied expression. By understanding its usage patterns and potential pitfalls, you can effectively harness the power of "go unused" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain unutilized

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the state of being not used.

stay idle

This suggests a lack of activity or purpose.

lie dormant

This implies a potential for future use that is currently inactive.

go to waste

This highlights the negative aspect of not using something valuable.

be neglected

This implies a lack of care or attention, leading to non-use.

be left aside

This suggests a deliberate decision to not use something.

not be exploited

This focuses on the failure to take advantage of a resource.

be surplus

This indicates an excess of something beyond what is needed.

become obsolete

This refers to something that is no longer useful due to being outdated.

gather dust

This is an idiomatic expression indicating something has been unused for a long time.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "The opportunity went unused"?

You can rephrase it using alternatives like "The opportunity "remained unutilized"", "The opportunity "was not exploited"", or "The opportunity "was wasted"".

Is it grammatically correct to say "skills that go unused"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "go unused" functions as a verb describing the state of the skills, indicating they are not being utilized.

What's the difference between "go unused" and "remain unused"?

"Go unused" implies a process of something becoming unused over time, while "remain unused" suggests a static state of not being used. For example, "The equipment might go unused if we don't train staff" versus "The equipment remained unused due to lack of demand".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "go unused"?

The phrase "go unused" is appropriate in a variety of contexts, including discussing resources, skills, opportunities, or anything that could be utilized but isn't. Ludwig AI shows examples in news articles, academic papers, and general writing.