harnessing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harnessing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of utilizing or controlling a resource, skill, or technology for a specific purpose. Example: "The company is focused on harnessing renewable energy sources to reduce its carbon footprint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award-winning Guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The Guardian

In an interview with Guardian Sustainable Business, Branson says he hopes the B Team will succeed where others have failed by harnessing the energy of a small group of respected leaders who have access to heads of state and other key opinion formers.

The Guardian

The wonder material graphene – a lightweight conductor 200 times stronger than steel – was discovered by scientists in Manchester, and yet the thousand-plus registered patents harnessing it in China, America and South Korea are matched by only a few dozen in Britain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Redesigning NHS emergency care, tackling poor performance and harnessing the health service's purchasing power are among the priorities of the NHS England chief executive.

The Guardian

The giveaways help, and the paper is particularly good at harnessing their power.

The Guardian

"Australia can achieve zero net emissions by harnessing energy efficiency, moving to a zero-carbon electricity system, switching from direct use of fossil fuels to decarbonised electricity, and improving industrial processes".

The Guardian

The opposition leader planned to put pressure on the government to end the impasse on the renewable energy target, saying that the "transition to a low pollution economy [will make] our industries more competitive, harnessing our natural resources and protecting our national estate".

The Guardian

Our competitors are harnessing technology to revolutionise the news business through aggregation, personalisation and social media.

The Guardian

Harnessing the maaya-juru of women like Sanogo to teach nutrition could be a real turning point for health in Mali – finally giving children the best start in life.

The Guardian

Forging this solution, however, requires harnessing the political will across borders and agencies to marshal resources and know-how.

The Guardian

As happened when websites first developed, the far right is again proving to be more innovative than established political groups at harnessing the power of the digital age.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about innovation or resource management, consider using "harnessing" to convey the active and intentional control of a valuable asset.

Common error

While "harnessing" is versatile, it can sound overly formal or technical in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "using" or "leveraging" when writing in an informal style.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "harnessing" is that of a present participle, often used as part of a continuous verb tense or as a gerund, functioning as a noun. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes the action of controlling and utilizing a resource.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harnessing" is a grammatically sound and versatile verb form, widely used to describe the act of actively utilizing resources or skills. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability in various contexts. It's frequently found in news, business, and scientific domains, suggesting a neutral register. While "harnessing" is generally appropriate, simpler alternatives like "using" or "leveraging" may be preferable in informal settings. When discussing innovation, efficiency, or resource management, consider using "harnessing" to emphasize active and intentional control.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Leveraging

Focuses on using something to maximum advantage, implying a strategic approach.

Utilizing

Emphasizes making practical and effective use of something.

Employing

Suggests putting something to work or service, often in a deliberate way.

Exploiting

Implies using something to its fullest potential, sometimes with a connotation of using it selfishly.

Capitalizing on

Highlights taking advantage of an opportunity or resource.

Channeling

Suggests directing something toward a particular end or purpose.

Mobilizing

Emphasizes gathering and preparing resources for action.

Tapping into

Implies accessing or drawing from a source of power or resources.

Drawing on

Focuses on using a particular quality or skill to achieve something.

Making use of

A more general term for using something available.

FAQs

How do I use "harnessing" in a sentence?

You can use "harnessing" to describe actively utilizing resources or skills. For instance, "The company is harnessing new technologies to improve efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "harnessing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "leveraging", "utilizing", or "employing".

What is the difference between "harnessing" and "exploiting"?

"Harnessing" generally implies controlled and beneficial use, while "exploiting" suggests using something to its fullest, possibly with negative consequences or selfish motives.

Is "harnessing" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "harnessing" is well-suited for academic writing, particularly when discussing resource management, technology, or strategic initiatives. It conveys a sense of purposeful utilization.