to use your term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to use your term" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to acknowledge or adopt a specific term or phrase that someone else has used in their communication. Example: "To use your term, I believe that collaboration is key to our success in this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Nobody is suing the old ladies, to use your term.

The New York Times

BW: And what, to use your term, you've built a wall to a certain extent.

The Washington Post

A: No. Q: After Daniel sued you for divorce or applied for divorce — to use your term — that was after your daughter had been born, correct?

The New Yorker

So now, in the digital era, we've reached a point where the cohort — to use your term — is not organized by the stores they visit but rather by the Web sites they visit or the types of music they listen to, and you have to find a way to recreate the core-R.-&-B.-store model in the digital age.

The New Yorker

We have figured out over the past century-and-a-half: If you bail out (to use your term), only the poor, well then, the bourgeoisie and the rich will be against you.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Biden, to his credit, later showed how to reject an issue being framed the wrong way (he objected strongly to the term "partition" for his plan for Iraq) -- jump on it, force the media to use your terms, and don't give an inch.

Huffington Post

Use your terms and conditions.

WikiHow

We're not "pussycats," to use your very condescending term for consumer advocates.

Los Angeles Times

You are very welcome to send submissions to us via GuardianWitness but in doing so you are granting us a licence to use your content as outlined in our terms and conditions.

The Guardian

If you do want to use your words, use stylist terms so your stylist is clear about what you want.

WikiHow

These include: If you do want to use your words, use stylist terms so your stylist is clear about what you want.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to use your term" to acknowledge the originator of a specific phrase, especially when borrowing it for emphasis or to show understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "to use your term" excessively, as it can become repetitive and distracting. Use it sparingly for phrases that are particularly unique or insightful. Do not use it if you could easily "rephrase" it in your own words.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to use your term" functions as a discourse marker. It signals that the speaker or writer is intentionally adopting a specific word or phrase previously used by someone else. As Ludwig explains, it acknowledges and incorporates the other person's expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

40%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to use your term" is a discourse marker used to acknowledge and incorporate another person's specific wording, as Ludwig confirms. While grammatically correct and appropriate in various contexts, it should be used sparingly to avoid redundancy. Alternatives like "in your words" or "as you put it" offer similar but slightly different nuances. This phrase functions to give credit, emphasize, or highlight specific concepts, maintaining a generally neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if I may use your term

Adds a polite request to use the other person's wording.

to borrow your phrase

Emphasizes the act of adopting someone else's specific wording.

using your expression

Focuses on a particular turn of phrase used by the other person.

in your words

Focuses on using the other person's specific vocabulary.

adopting your language

Highlights the conscious decision to use the speaker's vocabulary.

in your terminology

Specifically refers to adopting the other person's specific vocabulary or jargon.

as you put it

Highlights the manner in which the other person expressed the idea.

as you phrased it

Emphasizes the particular way the other person structured their statement.

to echo your sentiment

Highlights the intent to repeat the feeling behind an expression instead of an expression itself.

in your vernacular

Specifically refers to someone's regional or idiosyncratic speech

FAQs

How can I use "to use your term" in a sentence?

You can use "to use your term" when you want to adopt someone else's specific wording or expression in your own communication. For example, "To use your term, collaboration is key to our success."

What is a synonym for "to use your term"?

Alternatives include "in your words", "as you put it", or "to borrow your phrase", each adding a slightly different nuance.

Is "to use your term" formal or informal?

The phrase "to use your term" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone and purpose of your communication. It is generally considered neutral.

When should I avoid using "to use your term"?

Avoid using "to use your term" if the phrase you are referencing is very common or doesn't add any particular value to your statement. Also, avoid overuse in the same piece of writing.