make good use of

USAGE SUMMARY

"make good use of" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to encourage someone to make the most of a given opportunity or resource in a productive and efficient manner. For example: "Make good use of your time off this summer by practicing a new skill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make good use of your smartphone, iMovie and YouTube.

The Guardian

"I think we have to make good use of everyone.

The New York Times - Sports

Aprovecho, in Spanish, means "I make good use of".

The New Yorker

But I do still make good use of time.

The New York Times

Make good use of existing staff and share the load.

The Guardian

They also make good use of Mr. Robertson's wide network.

The New York Times

Two New York artists make good use of it.

The New York Times - Arts

— Can make good use of each additional dollar.

The New York Times

Mr. Cates also plans to make good use of the dinner tables during the film presentations.

The New York Times

There are a few local women who also make good use of the abundance of men.

The New York Times - Arts

But few stores have installed them and even fewer make good use of them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encouraging someone to "make good use of" a resource, clearly state the desired outcome or benefit. This provides context and motivation.

Common error

Avoid using "make good use of" in situations where the benefit is already self-evident. Instead, focus on specific strategies or actions to achieve the desired outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make good use of" functions primarily as a verb phrase, encouraging or directing the efficient and productive utilization of a resource or opportunity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests maximizing the benefits derived from something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

22%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make good use of" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that encourages the efficient and effective utilization of resources or opportunities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. Its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for various contexts, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in news, wiki, and scientific sources. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to specify the desired outcome when using this phrase. Alternatives like "capitalize on" or "leverage" can provide a more formal tone, while focusing on specific actions avoids overstating the obvious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make the most of

Similar in meaning, but with a greater emphasis on fully appreciating and enjoying the resource or opportunity.

utilize effectively

Stresses the efficient and productive application of resources.

maximize

Emphasizes achieving the greatest possible output or benefit from available resources.

capitalize on

Focuses on extracting maximum advantage from a situation or resource, emphasizing the benefit gained.

employ skillfully

Highlights the expertise and dexterity involved in using something to its full potential.

optimize

Suggests improving the efficiency of resource use to achieve the best possible result.

leverage

Highlights the strategic use of resources to achieve a desired outcome, often in a business or technical context.

harness

Focuses on controlling and directing resources towards a specific purpose or goal.

take advantage of

Indicates benefiting from an opportunity, which can sometimes have a slightly opportunistic connotation depending on the context.

exploit

Implies using resources to their fullest extent, which can sometimes carry a negative connotation of over-utilization.

FAQs

How can I "make good use of" my study time?

To "make good use of" your study time, try techniques like the Pomodoro method, active recall, and spaced repetition. Eliminate distractions and focus on understanding rather than just memorizing.

What's a more formal way to say "make good use of"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "capitalize on", "leverage", or "optimize" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to "take advantage of" an opportunity, or is "make good use of" a better choice?

While "take advantage of" and "make good use of" can be similar, "take advantage of" sometimes implies exploiting a situation. "Make good use of" is generally a safer, more positive choice, especially when resources are shared or collaboration is involved.

What are some resources that students can "make good use of"?

Students can "make good use of" resources such as libraries, online databases, tutoring services, and academic advisors to enhance their learning experience.