often used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "often used" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to indicate that something is commonly or frequently used (e.g. "this phrase is often used to express agreement").

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Acronyms are often used and useful.

WikiHow

Often used with humor.

The New York Times

Often used in cheaper cars.

The New York Times - Travel

Still often used for blending.

The New York Times

Often used to describe dogs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Plethora" is often used in that sense.

Independent

Remittances are often used to fund schooling.

The Economist

This was a sentence he often used.

The New York Times

Google is often used instead of search.

The New York Times

It's now most often used pejoratively.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's often used in rye breads.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a method or tool, use "often used" to highlight its popularity or widespread application within a specific field.

Common error

Avoid using "often used" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or nuanced language when describing the prevalence of a concept or method, as it may come across as too conversational.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "often used" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun or concept that is employed frequently. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Examples in Ludwig showcase its versatility across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

40%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "often used" is a versatile phrase functioning as an adjectival modifier to denote frequency or commonality. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. Analysis of Ludwig's examples indicates it's very common across various contexts like News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, maintaining a neutral register. When writing, remember to use it to highlight prevalence but avoid overuse in overly formal settings. Consider alternatives like "frequently employed" or "commonly applied" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frequently employed

Replaces "used" with a more formal synonym "employed", suggesting a slightly more deliberate or technical application.

commonly applied

Substitutes "used" with "applied", emphasizing the practical or functional aspect of being common.

widely adopted

Focuses on the acceptance and prevalence of something, rather than just its usage.

regularly utilized

Replaces both "often" and "used" with synonyms that suggest a habitual or systematic practice.

typically implemented

Highlights the standard or customary way something is put into effect.

generally exercised

Suggests that the action is a common practice or right that is performed.

habitually practiced

Emphasizes the routine or ingrained nature of the usage.

conventionally followed

Indicates adherence to established norms or customs in its usage.

frequently seen

Shifts the focus to observation rather than active use, implying common occurrence.

routinely performed

Indicates that the action is part of a standard procedure or regular operation.

FAQs

How can I use "often used" in a sentence?

You can use "often used" to describe something that is commonly or frequently employed in a particular context. For example, "This method is "often used" in data analysis".

What are some alternatives to "often used"?

Some alternatives include "frequently employed", "commonly applied", or "widely adopted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "oft used" instead of "often used"?

While "oft" is an archaic form of "often", using "oft used" may sound dated or overly poetic in modern English. "Often used" is generally the preferred and more common choice.

What is the difference between "often used" and "commonly used"?

While they are similar, ""often used"" emphasizes the frequency of use, whereas "commonly used" highlights the widespread or general nature of its use. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.