misuse them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "misuse them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the improper or incorrect use of something, typically in a context where something is being used in a way that is not intended or appropriate. Example: "If you don't follow the guidelines, you may end up misusing them and causing more problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Patients misuse them.

The New York Times

"Let's hope he doesn't misuse them.

The New Yorker

And more people misuse them than use them properly.

The New York Times - Health

Companies "are not permitted to mischaracterize our decisions or misuse them for commercial purposes," she said.

The New York Times

"By taking guns out of the hands of people who misuse them, you reduce some of the potential violence".

The New York Times

You have to trust that we will not misuse them, but we do not trust that you will not.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

But now he is misusing them.

The New York Times

Sometimes women take over the lead vocals to sing about how he misused them.

The New York Times - Arts

"Like me, they left their property behind and work for very little money and everyone misuses them".

The New York Times

"The E.U. can only defend the structural funds if you can justify them and show that you are not misusing them".

The New York Times

Remember human growth hormone and EPO were things that were used in hospitals to help people who were ill but then people misused them".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ethical implications of technology or resources, use "misuse them" to highlight potential for unintended negative consequences. For example, "We must consider how individuals might "misuse them" for malicious purposes."

Common error

While "misuse them" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "abuse them", "exploit them" or "improperly use them" to add nuance and clarity to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "misuse them" functions as a verb phrase, where "misuse" is a transitive verb requiring a direct object ("them"). It describes the action of using something incorrectly or inappropriately. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "misuse them" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing the improper or incorrect use of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific discussions, and encyclopedic explanations. While versatile, it's advisable to vary your language with synonyms like "improperly use them" or "abuse them" in formal writing to avoid repetition and add nuance. Awareness of common usage errors, like overuse in formal contexts, ensures clarity and sophistication in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

improperly use them

Changes the verb to 'use' and adds 'improperly' as an adverb, highlighting the incorrect manner of use.

misapply them

Highlights the incorrect or unsuitable application of something.

mishandle them

Emphasizes clumsy or careless management.

employ them incorrectly

Focuses on using something in a way that is not in accordance with the rules or guidelines.

wrongly apply them

Focuses on the incorrect application or implementation of something.

use them unwisely

Suggests a lack of good judgement in the use of something.

abuse them

Implies a more severe and potentially harmful misuse.

exploit them

Suggests using something unfairly or for personal gain.

handle them poorly

Highlights the lack of skill or care in using something.

waste them

Implies using something inefficiently or squandering it.

FAQs

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

"Misuse them" refers to using something incorrectly or inappropriately. For example, "Patients often "misuse them" by not following the prescribed dosage."

What can I say instead of "misuse them"?

You can use alternatives like "improperly use them", "abuse them", or "exploit them" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "misuse of them"?

While "misuse them" is a verb phrase indicating an action, "misuse of them" is a noun phrase referring to the act of misusing. The choice depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence.

What is the difference between "misuse them" and "abuse them"?

"Misuse them" generally means using something incorrectly or for a purpose not intended, while "abuse them" implies a more harmful or unethical use.