heavy use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heavy use" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the frequent or intense utilization of something. You can use it in a sentence when discussing the amount or extent of usage of a particular item or activity. Example: The heavy use of social media has become a concern for parents and educators.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Laminated for heavy use, $11.95).

The New York Times - Arts

That heavy use has its upside.

The New York Times - Tech

Australia made heavy use of their flanks in both matches.

The Guardian - Sport

It didn't get particularly warm even under heavy use.

The Guardian - Tech

His dramaturgy makes heavy use of poison, rope and steel.

The New York Times

It has been in continual, heavy use for 36 years.

The New York Times

It was also a hardy material that withstood heavy use.

Cornell University

Other catalyst systems can make heavy use of toxic metals.

MIT Technology Review

Can heavy use cause schizophrenia or other syndromes?

The New York Times - Health

The company makes heavy use of social media.

Independent

Casual use seems to have fallen; heavy use has stabilised.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To quantify the scope or intensity of some action the adverb is a good fit. For example: The military's carbon emissions are a result of the "heavy use" of jet fuel during training.

Common error

Avoid using "heavy use" in contexts where the intensity of use is already implied. For example, instead of saying "the machine experienced heavy use and subsequently broke down", consider saying "the machine broke down due to constant use".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavy use" functions as a noun phrase, where "heavy" modifies the noun "use". It describes the intensity or frequency of utilizing something. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI, it is commonly used across a broad range of contexts to denote substantial usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

31%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heavy use" is a frequently employed phrase that effectively communicates a significant degree of utilization. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and common across diverse domains. It's particularly prevalent in news and media, science, and academic writing. While versatile, it's essential to avoid redundancy and be mindful of contexts where the intensity of use is already implied. Alternatives like "substantial use" or "intensive use" can offer nuance in specific situations. When you aim to describe potential wear or quantify the scope or intensity of an action, you can use the adverb. The best practice is to make use of "heavy use" consciously to enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial use

Replaces "heavy" with a synonym suggesting a considerable amount.

intensive use

Emphasizes the concentrated or focused nature of the usage.

frequent use

Highlights the repeated or habitual nature of the usage.

extensive use

Suggests a wide-ranging or comprehensive application.

widespread use

Indicates usage across a broad population or area.

high utilization

Uses a more formal term for the act of using something.

significant application

Shifts focus to the act of applying something in a notable way.

prolonged use

Highlights that the usage occurs over a long period.

inordinate use

Suggests that the use is excessive or beyond normal limits.

excessive utilization

Implies that the level of use is not just heavy but also undesirable.

FAQs

How can I use "heavy use" in a sentence?

You can use "heavy use" to describe frequent or intense utilization. For instance, "The laptop showed signs of "heavy use" after only a year" or "The "heavy use" of antibiotics has led to antibiotic resistance".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "heavy use"?

Alternatives include "substantial use", "intensive use", or "frequent use", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "heavy use"?

While generally correct, using "heavy use" might be redundant if the context already implies intensity. In such cases, a simpler term like "constant use" may be more effective.

What does "heavy use" typically imply about an item or service?

"Heavy use" usually implies frequent or intensive utilization, potentially leading to wear and tear, increased demand, or other consequences associated with high levels of usage.