spare use

USAGE SUMMARY

"spare use" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to using something sparingly or in a minimal amount. For example: "We need to make a spare use of our resources to make sure it lasts us as long as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It is slightly overwhelming in its information density compared to most social networks, and its spare use of color around the edges lends it a feeling of lukewarmness.

The New Yorker

The beetroot recipe makes a fair bit of soup, so you will probably end up having some spare; use it for work lunches or a weekday evening meal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This expands the spare use of such everyday signs in Cubist collage to a position of dominance, giving meaning a new equality with form.

The New York Times - Arts

Some pianists play Mozart with long, smooth phrases and a warm Romanticized sound, but a period approach generally favors crisp articulation and spare use of pedal.

The New York Times - Arts

The spindly compositions that Valerie Teicher records as Tei Shi are fierce in their modesty, making spare use of whispered high notes and loud screams for a well-studied blend of Janet and Gwen.

The New Yorker

Mr. Winterbottom, a canny chameleon whose defining aesthetic signature as a director is that he doesn't have one, makes a show of working around the gorgeous 800-pound gorilla parked in the center of his movie, mostly by the strategically spare use of close-ups.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But in her third book, "Second Thyme Around" (St. Martin's Press, $24.95), she has imagination to spare, using witty writing and plotting to build a story, and a commentary, around the phenomenon of celebrity chefs and the purveyors who supply them.

The New York Times - Food

The Viking Lander next to the Stardust display is just a spare used for testing on Earth, because the real ones are still on Mars.

Huffington Post

Sparing use is made of the kind of divider walls that make the Armory Show look like a million walk-in closets.

The New York Times - Arts

This particular aspect avoids damage of the palatal mucosa and spares use of the chisel to complete the corticotomy.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

The internal organ doses were effectively spared using a tangential beamlets delivery method.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for conciseness in writing, consider using "spare use" to convey the idea of employing something minimally or sparingly. This phrase can add a touch of sophistication and precision to your language.

Common error

Avoid substituting "sparse use" for "spare use". While both relate to quantity, "sparse" implies a lack or deficiency, whereas "spare" suggests intentional economy or restraint. For instance, "spare use of color" means color is used intentionally and minimally, while "sparse use of color" may imply an unintended lack of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spare use" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It describes the act of employing something in a minimal or restrained manner, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spare use" is a grammatically correct phrase that denotes employing something minimally or economically. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to describe efficiency, minimalism, or resourcefulness. While not exceedingly frequent, it appears in diverse contexts like News & Media and Scientific writing, suggesting a neutral register. Related phrases include "minimal usage" and "economical use". Remember to distinguish "spare use" from "sparse use", as they carry different connotations. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately incorporate the phrase "spare use" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal usage

Focuses on the quantity of use, highlighting its small amount.

economical use

Emphasizes efficiency and avoiding waste in how something is used.

limited application

Highlights restrictions on how something can be used or applied.

judicious use

Suggests careful and thoughtful application of something.

conservative use

Implies avoiding overuse and preserving resources.

infrequent employment

Emphasizes the rare or occasional use of something.

prudent utilization

Focuses on wise and careful management when using something.

restrained application

Implies conscious control over how much something is used.

measured deployment

Highlights careful planning and controlled implementation of something.

careful handling

Emphasizes the importance of treating something with attention and caution.

FAQs

How can I use "spare use" in a sentence?

You can use "spare use" to describe the minimal or economical application of something, as in "The artist's spare use of color created a striking effect".

What is an alternative to the phrase "spare use"?

Alternatives to "spare use" include "minimal usage", "economical use", or "limited application", depending on the specific context.

Is "spare use" the same as "sparing use"?

While similar, "sparing use" emphasizes the act of being frugal or economical in usage, whereas "spare use" focuses on the result of that frugality – a minimal amount being used. They are often interchangeable, but "sparing use" highlights the intention behind the action.

What does "spare use of language" mean?

"Spare use of language" refers to employing language economically and efficiently, using only the necessary words to convey a message. It's often associated with concise and direct writing styles.