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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
used to administer
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "used to administer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing the act of giving or managing something, such as medication or a process. Example: "The nurse used to administer the medication to the patients every morning."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Electronic copies of materials used to administer the intervention (treatment).
Academia
What methods are used to administer the training?
Science
EpiPens are used to administer medication to someone experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis.
News & Media
It is similar to that used to administer epidural pain relief during labour.
News & Media
Their main fears: the dentist's drill and the injection used to administer local anesthetic.
News & Media
She adds that if the pen used to administer the drug is frozen, it should not be used.
News & Media
This may be relevant to intracranial cannula implantation, which is commonly used to administer substances directly into the brain.
The methods used to administer, infuse and transplant these products vary more widely than the methods used for pharmaceuticals.
Science
Herzlich had a port, used to administer medicine intravenously, embedded in the right side of his chest.
News & Media
The European Union strengthened export controls Tuesday on drugs that can be used to administer the death penalty.
News & Media
Pills (tablets and capsules) are widely used to administer prescription drugs or to take supplements such as vitamins.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing medical procedures or official processes, use "used to administer" to clearly convey the method of delivery or management. This phrase avoids ambiguity and maintains a professional tone.
Common error
While grammatically correct, "used to administer" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "given" or "provided" when appropriate to maintain a natural tone.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "used to administer" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically following a noun or pronoun to describe the purpose or method of something. It describes the action of providing or managing something in a structured or formal way, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.
Frequent in
Science
56%
News & Media
32%
Academia
12%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "used to administer" is a versatile phrase commonly employed to precisely describe methods of delivery or management. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and frequently encountered in scientific, news, and academic contexts. When writing, prioritize it in formal settings, and remember that simpler alternatives exist for casual usage. The phrase's frequency across authoritative sources confirms its reliability and appropriateness for professional communication. Therefore, while remaining cautious, you can use "used to administer" without any concern.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
employed to dispense
Replaces "used" with "employed" and "administer" with "dispense", focusing on the action of giving out something.
utilized to apply
Substitutes "used" with "utilized" and "administer" with "apply", emphasizing the practical application of something.
designed for administering
Changes the structure to focus on the design aspect, using a gerund form.
intended for distribution
Shifts the focus to the purpose of distribution rather than the act of administering.
suitable for providing
Highlights suitability for providing, changing the emphasis slightly.
adapted to manage
Implies a modification for management purposes, diverging slightly from direct administration.
configured to deliver
Focuses on the configuration aspect with the action of delivering something.
set up to supply
Emphasizes the setup and supply aspects, shifting the context a bit.
arranged to conduct
Implies prior arrangement or planning to carry out or conduct something.
equipped to execute
Highlights the preparedness and equipment available to carry out or execute an action.
FAQs
How can I use "used to administer" in a sentence?
You can use "used to administer" to describe a method or tool for delivering something, such as "The syringe is "used to administer" the vaccine" or "The staff are "used to administer" the survey".
What are some alternatives to "used to administer"?
Alternatives include "employed to dispense", "utilized to apply", or "designed for administering", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to say "used to administer" or "used for administering"?
Both are grammatically correct, but "used to administer" emphasizes the action, while "used for administering" emphasizes the purpose. The best choice depends on whether you want to highlight the act of administering or the reason for use.
In what contexts is "used to administer" most appropriate?
"Used to administer" is most appropriate in formal, medical, or procedural contexts where clear and precise language is necessary. It's often found in scientific publications, news reports about healthcare, and official guidelines.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested