the use for which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the use for which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify the purpose or intended application of something. Example: "The use for which this software was designed is to streamline project management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Drawing on the principle that technology design is usefully informed by a close analysis of the use for which it is intended, 32 one of us (SH) undertook between one and three periods of detailed ethnographic observation (2-5 hours each) on each of 20 people with diabetes (12 of whom also had other long term conditions).

British Medical Journal

If the repair fails, that capsule could find itself put to the use for which it was designed.

The Economist

The number and type of protective layers surrounding the core depends upon the use for which the cable is intended.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The character of a building is not measured only by the use for which it is intended," he wrote.

The New York Times - Arts

He also promised to "return this to the use for which it was originally intended", by creating a new road fund.

The Guardian

Richard M. Leventhal, director of the university's Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, said it "would always carefully consider any monetary gift, and the use for which it is intended".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

In addition, the team created unprogrammed spaces, the uses for which are determined by the employees.

The New York Times - Magazine

Thus, as Xenophon suggests, on this view, things are beautiful only in relation to the uses for which they are intended or to which they are properly applied.

SEP

The study looked at 59 clinical trials completed from 2000 to 2009 that involved drugs still considered experimental for the uses for which they were tested.

Los Angeles Times

In 2007, the company also diversified its MIS offerings to high value timbers, such as mahogany, the uses for which included furniture and flooring.

Wikipedia

Some of the uses for which the shortened URL is beneficial include: Hiding a URL from spammers.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the use for which" to clearly specify the intended purpose or application of something, especially in formal or technical writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the use for which" in simple sentences where a more direct phrase like "its purpose" or "what it's for" would suffice. Overusing formal phrases can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the use for which" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a relative clause. It specifies or defines the purpose or intended application of something. Ludwig AI examples show its usage in varied contexts, confirming its grammatical function in specifying intended uses.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the use for which" serves as a formal prepositional phrase specifying the intended purpose or application of something. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia articles. While effective for adding precision, it should be used judiciously to avoid unnecessary complexity in simpler contexts. Alternatives like "what it's for" or "its intended function" can provide simpler alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the purpose for which

Replaces "use" with the more formal synonym "purpose".

the reason for which

Substitutes "use" with "reason", focusing on the underlying cause or justification.

the application for which

Emphasizes the practical application or function.

the function it serves

Focuses on the action or role performed.

the intention behind it

Highlights the planning or aim that motivates the use.

the goal it aims to achieve

Focuses on the intended outcome or objective.

what it is designed for

Specifies the intended design or construction purpose.

the role it plays

Emphasizes the part or function something has in a system.

its intended function

Shortens the original phrase for brevity.

what it's meant to do

Uses a more informal tone and focuses on the expected action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the use for which" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could substitute "the use for which" with alternatives such as "the purpose for which" or "the application for which". These options often suit academic or professional writing better.

What's a simpler way to say "the use for which"?

If you want to simplify the phrase, consider using phrases like "what it's for" or "its intended function". These options are more direct and suitable for informal contexts.

Is it always necessary to use "the use for which" in a sentence?

No, it's not always necessary. Sometimes, a simpler prepositional phrase or a rephrased sentence can convey the same meaning more concisely. Consider if the added formality is truly needed for your audience and context.

How does "the use for which" differ from "the reason for which"?

"The use for which" typically refers to the intended application or function, while "the reason for which" refers to the underlying cause or justification. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing purpose or rationale.