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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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he uses to

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he uses to" is not correct in English as it is incomplete and lacks context.
It can be used in a sentence where it is followed by a verb in its base form, typically to indicate a habitual action in the past. Example: "He uses to play soccer every weekend when he was younger."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The criteria he uses to select a configuration are subjective.

The model he uses to analyse businesses is intriguing.

Are the facts he uses to support them factual?

News & Media

The New Yorker

I think God has some mechanism that he uses to punish those that make mistakes".

News & Media

Independent

Jay Leno has one that he uses to make custom parts for his vintage cars.

News & Media

The New York Times

Later on, Andy uses the hollowed out book to hide the hammer he uses to escape.

News & Media

Independent

His shirt pocket held a black Magic Marker that he uses to sign autographs.

News & Media

The New Yorker

The devices he uses to suggest his characters' emotional states are lazy and forced.

One is a needle-nose medical clamp, which he uses to position tiny garnishes.

News & Media

The New Yorker

To get one, people first pay him a deposit, which he uses to buy the materials.

News & Media

The New Yorker

It involves his body, which he uses to obstruct the goalie's view.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "he uses to" as it is grammatically incorrect in standard English. Instead, opt for correct alternatives such as "he used to" or "he typically".

Common error

A common mistake is using "he uses to" instead of the correct phrase "he used to" when referring to a past habit. Always remember to include the 'd' at the end of "used" to indicate past tense.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

3.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he uses to" functions as part of a sentence where someone is describing a habitual action, method, or characteristic attributed to a person. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, the construction is generally considered grammatically incorrect; the past form "used to" is preferred to describe past habits.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "he uses to" appears frequently in various sources, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. According to Ludwig AI, the correct form to describe past habits is "he used to". Although common, especially in News & Media sources, writers should exercise caution and opt for grammatically correct alternatives such as "he typically" or "he is accustomed to" to ensure clarity and correctness in their writing. Despite its frequent usage, adhering to proper grammar enhances the credibility and precision of your communication. It's important to choose alternative options, especially in academic or formal writing, to maintain a professional standard.

FAQs

How do I correctly use "he used to" in a sentence?

Use "he used to" to describe past habits or states that are no longer true. For example, "He used to live in New York, but now he lives in London."

What is the difference between "he uses to" and "he used to"?

"He uses to" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "he used to", which indicates a past habit or state.

What can I say instead of "he uses to" if I want to talk about a current habit?

If you want to describe a current habit, you can use alternatives like "he usually", "he typically", or "he generally".

Is "he is use to" a correct alternative to "he uses to"?

No, "he is use to" is also incorrect. A related but different and correct phrase is "he is used to", which means that he is accustomed or habituated to something. For example, "He is used to waking up early" means he's accustomed to it.

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Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

3.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: