most used to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most used to" is not correct in standard English; it should be "most used" or "most accustomed to." You can use "most used" when referring to something that is frequently utilized, while "most accustomed to" is used to describe a high level of familiarity or comfort with something.
Example: "This is the most used method for solving the problem."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

If we return to the Bible, which is the text most used to cause us pain, we can discover that the predominant message in the Scriptures is love.

Huffington Post

"Confident" is the adjective most used to describe Ms. Kelly.

The New York Times

"The two words they said people most used to describe me were authenticity and genuineness," she said.

The New York Times

Cynical was the word that was most used to describe their lyrics, and it's hard to really argue they weren't.

The Guardian - Music

Most used to go to mayors in oil areas, and were often stolen by guerrillas or paramilitaries.

The Economist

"Who, of all the witnesses, is most used to rehearsing what he has to say and sticking to his script?

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

One example most use to cite success isn't even really all that valid.

Huffington Post

The ETF most-used to track the Small-Cap Russell 2000 index, the IWM, traded $5.3 billion, some 58% of the day-end value of $9.2 billion outstanding.

Forbes

It is these bandings which will be of most use to parents.

BBC

The practice is most commonly used to discriminate against Arabs.

The Guardian

"Most companies used to worry about their image.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing frequency, use "most frequently used" or "most often used". When indicating familiarity, "most accustomed to" is a more appropriate choice.

Common error

Avoid using "most used to" when you mean "most accustomed to". The first refers to frequency, while the second refers to familiarity or comfort. For example, say "I am most accustomed to this software" instead of "I am most used to this software" if you want to express familiarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most used to" is often intended to function as a descriptor indicating the frequency with which something is utilized or the familiarity one has with something. However, Ludwig indicates that it is grammatically incorrect. Better alternatives include "most frequently used" or "most accustomed to".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "most used to" might seem intuitive, Ludwig advises against its use due to grammatical concerns. It is better to use "most frequently used" when referring to frequency or "most accustomed to" when referring to familiarity. Although examples can be found in various contexts such as News & Media and Science, the low frequency and grammatical issues make it a less desirable choice for clear and correct communication. Opt for the recommended alternatives to ensure your writing is both accurate and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most often used

Emphasizes the commonness of usage, similar to "most used to".

most frequently used

Highlights the frequency of use, replacing 'used to' with 'frequently used'.

typically used

Emphasizes that something is used in a typical or standard manner.

predominantly used

Indicates that something is mainly or primarily used.

commonly utilized

Similar to "most used", but emphasizes utilization.

most accustomed to

Focuses on familiarity and comfort, rather than frequency of use.

regularly employed

Focuses on the consistency of usage.

primarily employed

Suggests a formal or technical context where something is mainly utilized.

conventionally used

Highlights that something is used following established conventions or norms.

habitually used

Indicates that something is used out of habit or routine.

FAQs

What is the correct way to express something is frequently used?

Instead of "most used to", use alternatives like "most frequently used" or "most often used".

How can I say something is very familiar or I am comfortable with it?

The phrase "most accustomed to" is suitable. For example: "I am most accustomed to this type of work."

Is "most used to" grammatically correct in English?

According to Ludwig, "most used to" is not considered grammatically correct. It is better to use "most used" or "most accustomed to" depending on the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "most used" and "most accustomed to"?

"Most used" refers to the frequency of use, whereas "most accustomed to" refers to a state of being familiar or comfortable with something.