to make use of

USAGE SUMMARY

"to make use of" is a correctly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of utilizing something in order to achieve a desired goal. For example "The company has decided to make use of new software to increase productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our lives are given to us to make use of.

Huffington Post

This allowed us to make use of data from all patients.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

This technique allows us to make use of the information in two unlinked data sets.

Health Policy and Planning

We will like to thank ICF Macro for allowing us to make use of the data.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

It's up to us citizens to make use of it.

HuffPost

Give TWO suggestions to make use of annotations more useful.

BMC Medical Education

But she cannot compel prosecutors to make use of them.

The New York Times

Also, it's important to make use of the gym's staff.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They've simply refused to make use of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

But German jurists refused to make use of the category.

The New Yorker

I had to make use of it somehow.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, choose synonyms for "to make use of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, such as "utilize" for efficiency or "leverage" for strategic advantage.

Common error

Avoid using "to make use of" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more concise and direct alternatives like "use", "utilize", or "employ" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make use of" functions as an infinitive phrase indicating purpose or intention. It commonly introduces an action that someone or something intends to perform, which the Ludwig AI validates as correct English usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

29%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to make use of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the intention or action of utilizing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate in a multitude of contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. While highly common, consider synonyms like "utilize" or "leverage" to enhance the nuance and impact of your writing. Be mindful of potential overuse in highly formal settings. This phrase appears most frequently in Science, News & Media, and Academic contexts, underscoring its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to utilize

Focuses more on the act of using resources effectively.

to put to use

Emphasizes the act of actively using something.

to employ

Suggests a more deliberate and strategic application.

to apply

Focuses on the practical application of something.

to leverage

Implies using something to gain an advantage or achieve a specific outcome.

to capitalize on

Emphasizes taking advantage of an opportunity or resource.

to take advantage of

Similar to "to capitalize on", but can sometimes imply opportunism.

to exploit

Can carry a negative connotation of using something unfairly or selfishly, but also means to develop or use something for profit or benefit.

to draw on

Suggests using something as a source of support or inspiration.

to harness

Implies controlling and directing something for a specific purpose.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "to make use of"?

Alternatives include "to utilize", "to employ", "to leverage", and "to capitalize on", each carrying slightly different nuances depending on the context.

How can I use "to make use of" in a sentence?

You can use "to make use of" to indicate the act of utilizing something for a specific purpose. For example, "Researchers need to make use of available data to draw meaningful conclusions."

Is "to make use of" formal or informal?

While generally acceptable, "to make use of" can sometimes sound less direct than alternatives like "use" or "utilize", especially in formal writing. Choose the option that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

What's the difference between "to make use of" and "to utilize"?

"To utilize" often implies a more efficient or strategic use compared to the more general "to make use of". Both are correct, but "utilize" can add a layer of intentionality or skill in usage.