use on something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "use on something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to applying a method, tool, or resource to a specific object or situation. Example: "You can use on something like a computer to enhance its performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He's still with Lol (poor Lol – unaware that in 20 years or so her name will become an irritating acronym people use on something called the internet).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Every minute spent on YouTube is a minute wasted that you could have used on something useful such as homework, physical activities, reading, etc.

WikiHow

But imagine if all the resources used to finally get this plea had been used on something that people actually care about – like any one of the many injustices foisted on regular Americans by American banks.

The Guardian - Opinion

When you get a pass that you aren't using on something else, give your first horse a GA Golden Applee) coat, preferably one that's not very popular, but still very pretty (so that when the coat gets retired, it will sell for more).

WikiHow

WhatsApp can finally be used on something other than a smartphone: a desktop web app.

The Guardian - Tech

Is a cut really a cut if it's being used on something else, such as the jobs creation scheme?

The Guardian

For years, the Congressional Budget Office followed the general approach of the Census Bureau: health benefits were worth only the amount that a family otherwise would have spent on doctors and other medical services — that is, money that could be used on something else.

The New York Times

Mr. Pinsky said the city could not rent out its suites or resell its tickets, so the perks could not be converted to currency that could be used on something more laudable, like money "to run public schools in the South Bronx".

The New York Times

From an economic standpoint, public money is being used on something without definitive proof of benefits.

Vice

Between counting calories, points or whatever it is you're tracking, just think of all that mental energy you're using that could be used on something else.

Huffington Post

I really think he was a really smart man and had his talent been used on something like medicine, he would have been a great doctor.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "use on something", ensure the context clearly specifies what is being used and the object or situation it's being applied to. Clarity enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "use on something" without clearly defining both the resource and the target; otherwise, the sentence becomes ambiguous and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "use on something" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically follows a verb, indicating the application or utilization of an item or resource. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from resource allocation to problem-solving.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "use on something" serves as a versatile prepositional phrase indicating application or utilization. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although a degree of vagueness means it could be enhanced through more specific wording in certain contexts. It is frequently found in news, wiki and scientific contents. To ensure clarity and precision, consider alternatives like "apply to something" or "utilize for something", depending on the intended meaning. In general "use on something" is appropriate for everyday conversation, more formal alternatives may be better suited for academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apply to something

Focuses on the act of applying a method or resource.

utilize for something

Emphasizes the utility or purpose of using something.

employ for a purpose

Highlights the intentional use of something for a specific goal.

dedicate to something

Suggests allocating something exclusively for a particular use.

allocate to a task

Implies distributing resources to a specific task or project.

devote to an activity

Highlights the commitment of resources to a particular activity.

channel into something

Suggests directing resources towards a specific outcome or goal.

direct towards something

Focuses on the act of guiding resources towards a specific target.

invest in something

Emphasizes the commitment of resources with the expectation of future benefits.

put towards something

Suggests contributing resources to a specific cause or purpose.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "use on something" for better clarity?

Consider alternatives like "apply to something", "utilize for something", or "employ for a purpose" to enhance specificity depending on the context.

Is "use on something" formal enough for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "use on something" can sound informal. In academic contexts, opt for more precise phrases like "apply to something" or "dedicate to something" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "used on something" and "use on something"?

"Use on something" is in the imperative or infinitive form, suggesting an action to be taken, while "used on something" is in the past participle, indicating something that has already been applied or utilized.

When should I choose "apply to something" over "use on something"?

Choose "apply to something" when you want to emphasize the act of application or the method involved, as it conveys a more deliberate and directed action compared to the general "use on something".