used the elevator

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "used the elevator" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when talking about someone entering or leaving a building by using the elevator, or to refer to any other action that involves utilizing an elevator. For example: "John used the elevator to get to the top floor of the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He used the elevator instead.

The New York Times

"Did he take the stairs to visit your mother-in-law?" "He never used the elevator".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We wondered if we could use these sensors to determine whether students used the elevators more than the stairs, and whether that changed throughout the day.

The New York Times

"Oh, no, they don't," the security guard told me, laughing as he assured me that lazy college students used the elevators whenever possible.

The New York Times

There is a sweeping staircase (or use the elevator) to the second floor.

The New York Times

Put a bin on the fire escape and use the elevator.

The New Yorker

We live on the first floor and hardly use the elevator.

The New York Times

"That means that even people who live on the ground floor would have to contribute to elevator repairs even though they may never use the elevator".

The New York Times

In order to be tan for New York Fashion Week, you must go to the Carlton Hotel and request a key card from the front desk to use the elevator.

The New Yorker

(Exemptions are available, but a landlord would still have to provide alternative parking or demonstrate a serious safety concern related to using the elevator).

The New York Times

Whoever's nearby pushes the button when Emily wants to use the elevator, to which she was introduced during a construction project that blocked the stairs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about accessibility, use “used the elevator” to clearly indicate that someone relied on the elevator due to a need or preference.

Common error

Avoid using "used the elevator" when the context implies that taking the stairs was a reasonable alternative. This can sometimes create an impression of laziness or unnecessary reliance on a convenience. Instead, consider stating the reason for using the elevator, such as a disability or carrying heavy items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "used the elevator" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of utilizing an elevator for transportation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. This action implies a choice or necessity in traversing between floors.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "used the elevator" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood phrase that indicates someone utilized an elevator for transportation. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, and the phrase appears across diverse sources, including news media, wikis, and scientific publications. While neutral in register, consider alternative phrasings like "took the lift" (British English) or "rode the elevator" to add nuance. Be mindful of the implied reasons for using the elevator, especially when stairs are a viable option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took the lift

Replaces "elevator" with its British English equivalent, "lift".

rode the elevator

Substitutes the verb "used" with "rode", focusing on the action of being transported by the elevator.

utilized the elevator

Replaces "used" with the more formal "utilized".

operated the elevator

Highlights the action of controlling or managing the elevator.

made use of the elevator

A more verbose and formal way of saying "used the elevator".

got in the elevator

Focuses on the act of entering the elevator.

stepped into the elevator

Emphasizes the physical action of entering the elevator.

chose to use the elevator

Highlights the decision-making aspect of using the elevator.

availed themselves of the elevator

A very formal and somewhat archaic way of saying "used the elevator".

the elevator was employed

Shifts the focus to the elevator itself being used, rather than the person using it.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "used the elevator" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "utilized the elevator" or "availed themselves of the elevator", although the latter is quite archaic.

Is it correct to say "took the elevator" instead of "used the elevator"?

Yes, "took the lift" (or "took the elevator") is a perfectly acceptable and common alternative. In British English, "took the lift" is the more natural phrasing.

What are some situations where it's more appropriate to say "used the elevator" instead of "took the stairs"?

It's appropriate to say "used the elevator" when someone has a physical limitation, is carrying heavy items, or when time is a significant factor. It highlights a specific choice or necessity rather than simply stating an action.

What's the difference between "rode the elevator" and "used the elevator"?

"Rode the elevator" focuses more on the experience of being inside the elevator during its movement, while "used the elevator" is a more general statement about employing the elevator for transportation.