in use

USAGE SUMMARY

"in use" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is currently being used, employed, or employed for a specific purpose. For example, "This room is not currently in use, so please don't enter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"HealthKit is already in use, by us!

BBC

It is still in use.

The Economist

Forty are in use nationwide.

The New York Times

Every speck is in use.

The Economist

Many are still in use.

The New York Times

Thousands remain in use.

The New York Times

The formulas are still in use today.

The New York Times

Many remain in use as tourist attractions.

The New York Times

The name Chohung will remain in use.

The Economist

All three courts were in use.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Tools-in-use become phenomenologically transparent.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the status of a system or tool, use "in use" to clearly indicate that it is currently functioning or being utilized for its intended purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "in use" interchangeably with phrases like "for use" or "ready for use". "In use" indicates current activity, while the others suggest potential or intended activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in use" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating its current state of being utilized or employed. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Many examples illustrate this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in use" is a grammatically sound and commonly employed prepositional phrase used to describe the state of something being currently utilized, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts, its register remains relatively neutral, suitable for various scenarios. When using "in use", ensure it accurately reflects the current state and isn't confused with similar phrases indicating potential use. Understanding its function enhances clarity in writing across diverse communication landscapes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being utilized

Focuses on the action of utilizing something, rather than the state of being in use.

currently operational

Emphasizes the operational status of something at the present time.

actively employed

Highlights the active employment of something for a specific purpose.

being implemented

Suggests that something is in the process of being put into effect or practice.

under operation

Similar to 'operational' but with a slightly more formal tone.

in service

Often used to describe equipment or systems that are functioning and available for use.

being leveraged

Implies that something is being used strategically to gain an advantage or achieve a specific outcome.

functionally active

Stresses the functional aspect of something being in use, highlighting its ability to perform its intended function.

presently running

Emphasizes the continuous operation or execution of something at the moment.

being exerted

Suggests that something is being actively applied or brought to bear on a particular situation or task.

FAQs

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

You can use "in use" to describe something that is currently being utilized, such as "The equipment is currently "in use"" or "All available resources are "in use" to resolve the issue".

What's the difference between "in use" and "available"?

"In use" means something is currently being utilized, while "available" means it is ready to be used but may not be at the moment. For example, a tool might be "available", but not "in use".

Which is correct, "in use" or "into use"?

"In use" is the correct and more common phrase to describe something currently being utilized. "Into use" is used when describing the act of something starting to be used, for example "The new system was put "into use" last week".

What can I say instead of "in use"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "being utilized", "currently operational", or "actively employed".