use it for

USAGE SUMMARY

'use it for' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when you are referring to the purpose of an item. For example: "I found this new software, so I'm going to use it for my school project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They let us use it for classes.

The New York Times

Use it for dipping.

The New York Times - Travel

"I did not use it for motivation".

The New York Times - Sports

We can use it for this, too".

The New York Times - Health

I use it for my computer.

The New York Times

I use it for portraits now.

The New York Times

We use it for commercial purposes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Authorities use it for public announcements.

The Economist

They'd use it for weddings, maybe?

Independent

I like to use it for that.

The New York Times - Arts

Use it for textured or sleeker styles.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the function of an object or tool, use "use it for" to clearly state its intended purpose. For example, "I use this software for editing videos".

Common error

Ensure that the context makes it clear what "it" refers to when using "use it for". If the antecedent is unclear, rephrase to explicitly state the object being used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "use it for" functions as a purpose clause connector, linking an action (using something) to its intended outcome or application. It clearly indicates the reason or goal behind the action, as Ludwig shows through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

27%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "use it for" is a versatile and commonly used connector that is considered grammatically correct. According to Ludwig, it serves to clearly state the purpose or function of something, making it essential for instructional, explanatory, and descriptive writing. While generally neutral in tone, it's more common in News and Wiki sources and can be easily substituted with more formal alternatives, such as "employ it for" or "utilize it for" in formal settings. When using "use it for", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to, so as to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

employ it for

This alternative emphasizes a more formal or deliberate application.

utilize it for

This suggests making practical and effective use of something.

apply it to

This suggests a specific action or task the item is suited to

dedicate it to

This implies setting something aside for a specific purpose or use.

adapt it for

This suggests modifying something to fit a new or different purpose.

assign it to

This suggests allocating something to a task.

designate it for

This implies officially choosing something for a specific role or function.

reserve it for

This suggests saving or setting aside something for future or specific use.

purpose it for

Highlights the deliberate intention of the action.

intend it for

Focuses on the planning stage before the execution of the action.

FAQs

How can I /s/employ+it+for in a sentence?

To use "use it for" effectively, clearly state the object or tool you are referring to, followed by "use it for" and the intended purpose. Example: "I use this app for managing my tasks".

What are some alternatives to "use it for"?

You can use alternatives like "employ it for", "utilize it for", or "apply it to" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "use it for" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "use it for" when you want to explain the specific purpose or function of an object, tool, or resource.

Is "use it for" considered formal or informal language?

"Use it for" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "employ it for" or "utilize it for" for a more sophisticated tone.