used it up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "used it up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the complete consumption or depletion of a resource, item, or opportunity. Example: "I wanted to save some of the cake for later, but I accidentally used it up during the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

He'd used it up too soon.

The New Yorker

"They used it up through the building.

The New York Times

He admitted that he had used it up as copy.

The New Yorker

I took her toothpaste, indented by her fingers, but as I used it up, felt sad again.

The New York Times - Health

And "I have written about it and used it up", she wrote in an uncollected autobiographical story, "Home" (1973).

The Guardian - Books

"I only have one really weird idea a year, so I've used it up now," he said in an interview.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

How do you use it up?

Yale University

"It is correct, and people use it up to today".

The New York Times

Or use it up in a cheese soufflé.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But I suspect you'll use it up before then.

The New York Times - Food

I'm sorry, let's use it up, not lend it out.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing resource management or limitations, use "used it up" to clearly communicate that a resource has been fully consumed or allocated. This phrase is effective in conveying scarcity or the completion of a process.

Common error

Avoid using "used it up" excessively in formal writing where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary might be expected. Consider alternatives like "depleted", "exhausted", or "consumed" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "used it up" functions as a verb phrase indicating the completion of an action involving consumption or utilization. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

14%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "used it up" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate that something has been completely consumed or depleted. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral contexts, with more formal options available for professional writing. It appears frequently in news and media sources, making it a practical phrase for everyday communication. When choosing the words, remember that while it is correct, some contexts might benefit from a more formal alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consumed entirely

Emphasizes the complete act of eating or utilizing something until nothing remains.

depleted completely

Highlights the exhaustion of a resource or supply to its fullest extent.

exhausted fully

Stresses the thorough use of something, leaving nothing left.

finished off

Suggests bringing something to an end by using all of it.

completely utilized

Focuses on the full and thorough application of something for its intended purpose.

drained completely

Highlights the act of emptying or exhausting something until it's devoid of content.

spent entirely

Emphasizes the complete expenditure of resources, often money or energy.

used to the full extent

Indicates that something has been utilized as much as possible.

left nothing

Directly states that nothing remains after the process of using.

reached the end of

Implies that a supply or resource has been fully consumed, reaching its limit.

FAQs

What does "used it up" mean?

The phrase "used it up" means that something has been completely consumed, depleted, or exhausted. There is none of it remaining.

How can I use "used it up" in a sentence?

You can use "used it up" to describe the complete consumption of a resource, like "I "consumed all the data" on my phone plan this month and now I have to pay extra."

What are some alternatives to "used it up"?

Alternatives to "used it up" include "exhausted", "depleted", "consumed", or "finished off", depending on the specific context.

Is "used it up" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "used it up" might be considered informal for certain formal contexts. In such cases, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "exhausted completely" or "depleted fully".