it used on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it used on" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey that something is utilized in a specific context, but it requires additional context or rephrasing to be clear. Example: "This tool is used on various surfaces to ensure a smooth finish."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The college paid the company about $10,000 in 2001 and got an airing on the E! channel at about 6 a.m. and some scenes it used on its own for various purposes, said Jeff Perez, its vice president for external affairs.

The New York Times

The Dragon capsule it used on its most recent ISS resupply mission was used during a previous trip to ferry supplies and materials for scientific experiments to the orbital facility.

TechCrunch

We assumed that when a simulated bird left the Camargue in an infected condition, it left an infectious virus unit in each halt mesh it used on its way.

Plosone

Channel Five recently announced it would pay viewers £100 for contributions it used on air.

The Guardian

The FTC also alleges that the firm represented the endorsements it used on various sites and blogs as being independent, even though they were created by Spokeo employees.

The Washington Post

The Bush administration has long denied that any of the harsh techniques it used on high-value detainees could be considered torture.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

And then it uses on-device intelligence to make recommendations.

TechCrunch

It uses on-board lithium-ion batteries to power two electric motors.

TechCrunch

For example, Teradata recently announced support for AWS using the same engine as it uses on-premise.

Forbes

Apple is famous for undocumented features and private APIs that it uses on its own apps.

Forbes

The National Weather Service is also responsible for the forecast models it uses on a daily basis.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the use of something, prefer active voice constructions like "It is used for..." or "It is applied to...". This ensures clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "on" directly after "used" without an intervening preposition. "Used on" is grammatically awkward. Instead, specify what it is used for or with.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it used on" typically acts as part of a larger verb phrase where "used" functions as a past participle, but the construction is grammatically flawed without proper prepositional support. Ludwig AI identifies this as a non-standard construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

27%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it used on" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI specifies, it lacks proper prepositional support and clarity. While examples can be found across various sources like News & Media and Science, alternatives such as "it is used for", "it is applied to", or "it is utilized in" are preferred for grammatical accuracy and clearer communication. Therefore, it's best to avoid "it used on" in formal writing and opt for more grammatically sound alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was applied to

Replaces "used on" with a more formal and grammatically sound alternative.

it is employed on

Substitutes "used" with "employed", adding a touch of formality and precision.

it is utilized on

Replaces "used" with "utilized", conveying a sense of intentional and efficient use.

it's designed for

Shifts the focus to the intended purpose of the item, replacing the direct action.

it's suitable for

Highlights the appropriateness of the item for a specific application.

it is meant for

Focuses on the intended purpose or application of the item.

it serves on

Emphasizes the function or role the item performs in a particular context.

it functions on

Highlights the operational aspect of the item in a specific scenario.

it operates on

Focuses on the process or manner in which the item works.

it acts on

Emphasizes the item's influence or effect on something else.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "it used" in a sentence?

The phrase "it used" requires a preposition or further clarification. For example, "it used to be" or "it used for". The construction "it used on" is generally incorrect.

What's a better way to say "it used on"?

Alternatives include "it was applied to", "it is utilized in", or "it is designed for", depending on the intended meaning. For example, instead of "it used on cars", try "it is applied to cars".

Is "it used on" grammatically correct?

No, "it used on" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It often needs a preposition or different sentence structure to be correct. Use phrases like "it is used for" or "it is applied to".

When can I use the phrase "it used" correctly?

You can use "it used" correctly when followed by "to" (e.g., "it used to be") or another verb to indicate a past action or state. However, "it used on" is rarely correct.