make use of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make use of something" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used when someone takes advantage of or utilizes something for a specific purpose or benefit. Example: "To improve her health, Sarah decided to make use of the gym membership she had been neglecting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Robots can be expensive to make so why not make use of something we all carry around with us - the mobile phone?

BBC

As with all things: if you can make use of something that makes your life easier while maintaining enough inner strength and freedom to avoid dependence, you are the master.

The Guardian

Nonetheless, I can make use of something as simple as an emoji to bridge that divide and build deep connections with him on my own terms.

Vice

It is not clear if by alternative splicing the cell tries to make use of something already available, or alternative splicing is a driver of intronic additions.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Stefano made use of something that was already made -- it's sustainable fashion".

The New York Times

This is the way of evolution: to achieve a new function it makes use of something already to hand.

The Guardian

There's a substantial literature (see, for example, the references here (pdf)) that makes use of something like the following model: 1.

The New York Times

The strength of this argument is that it makes use of something indisputable, viz., that Bob's justification is stronger than Ray's; and it is hard to think of any other difference between them except that Bob has felt the heat and Ray has not.

SEP

We must "make use of reason, something which not all media outlets tend to do".

The New York Times

Ms Villiers said in a statement Monday that it was "good news for Britons trying to get home that the Government are now looking to make use of the Royal Navy, something we first suggested".

The New York Times

When we describe a laptop computer as thinking what to do next or as not wanting to be cooperative, we make use of the cognitive metaphor, something that Dan Dennett (1987) calls adopting the intentional stance.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Make use of something" is generally neutral. If you want to emphasize maximizing benefit, consider "leverage"; if you want to highlight practical application, "utilize" may be more appropriate.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "make use of something" can sound somewhat informal in highly academic or professional writing. Opt for stronger verbs like "utilize", "leverage", or "implement" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make use of something" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of utilizing or employing something. It suggests that a resource, opportunity, or tool is being actively used for a particular purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make use of something" is a versatile phrase meaning to utilize or employ something effectively. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in a variety of contexts. While primarily neutral in tone, more formal alternatives like "utilize" or "leverage" might be preferable in academic or professional settings. When writing, be mindful of the subtle nuances between "make use of something" and related phrases like "take advantage of something" to accurately convey your intended meaning. Furthermore, consider the tone you wish to achieve. The sources used here come from News & Media, Science and Wiki, confirming the high versatility of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Utilize something

Focuses on the practical application of something.

Put something to use

A more direct and simple way of expressing utilization.

Take advantage of something

Focuses on benefiting from an opportunity or resource.

Leverage something

Emphasizes maximizing the advantage gained from something.

Apply something

Highlights the practical implementation of something.

Employ something

Highlights the act of putting something to work.

Harness something

Emphasizes controlling and directing something for a specific purpose.

Exploit something

Suggests using something resourcefully, sometimes with a hint of opportunism.

Draw on something

Implies using something as a source or foundation.

Capitalize on something

Stresses turning something into an advantage.

FAQs

How can I use "make use of something" in a sentence?

You can use "make use of something" to indicate utilizing a resource or opportunity. For example, "She decided to "make use of" her free time to learn a new skill."

What is a more formal alternative to "make use of something"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "utilize", "leverage", or "employ". These options often lend a more sophisticated tone to your writing.

Is "make use of something" interchangeable with "take advantage of something"?

While similar, "make use of something" is generally neutral, simply meaning to use something effectively. "Take advantage of something" can sometimes imply exploiting a situation or resource, so consider the context carefully.

Which prepositions commonly follow "make use"?

The most common preposition is "of", as in "make use of something". The phrase indicates employing or utilizing whatever "something" refers to.