user

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'user' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to someone who makes use of something, such as technology, services, or facilities. For example, "The new software has a wide range of features that appeal to users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"We lose core user after core user by not addressing simple trolling issues that they face every day".

The Guardian - Tech

The accounts can also be unlocked if certain conditions are being fulfilled, such as the offending user providing Twitter with their phone number for verification purposes, or deleting the problem tweets.

The Guardian - Tech

I thought the only solution was to bring in user charges to give it a funding boost.

The Guardian

Related: Why Slack is worth $1bn: it's trying to change how we work "Our strength and our biggest weakness is that we've got this large, very vocal and very passionate user group.

The Guardian - Tech

"An Evernote user isn't currently bringing in 10 less motivated, slightly indifferent people to use it.

The Guardian - Tech

These are all welcome releases if you're a heavy Microsoft Office user though: new Android smartphone versions of each tool's existing tablet app.

The Guardian - Tech

That is, a user had to give music to get music.

The Guardian - Books

The claims on battery life and antenna response are remarkable, but we'll have to see Claims about improvements in battery life and antenna "intelligence" make it sound like this will actually improve the user experience a lot.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

GuardianWitness is the home of user-generated content on the Guardian.

The Guardian

As Bartle explains, "By the time the games companies got interested in making mutiplayer online games in the late 90s, there were 100 MUD experienced designers for every one who was experienced in one of the other multi-user games that had been invented, because it was all free".

The Guardian - Tech

Last year Uri Levine sold Waze, a user-generated mapping app, to Google for a reported $1.1bn.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing technical documentation, clearly define what is meant by "user". Specify the level of technical expertise assumed, and tailor your language accordingly to make it easier to comprehend.

Common error

If you're referring to a specific type of "user", such as a "power user" or a "guest user", make sure to explicitly state this. This avoids confusion and ensures that your message is clear.

Linguistic Context

The word "user" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a person or entity that utilizes a product, service, or system. As shown by Ludwig, this is the most common and accepted usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "user" is a noun widely employed across various contexts to denote an individual or entity that utilizes a service, product, or system. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. The term's neutrality makes it suitable for a wide range of communication styles, from technical documentation to everyday conversation. While it's highly versatile, being specific about the type of "user" is helpful to avoid ambiguity. Frequent occurrences in "The Guardian", "The New York Times", and other reputable sources highlight its prevalence in contemporary language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

end user

Specifies the ultimate recipient or beneficiary of a product or service, often in a technical context.

customer

Focuses on the transactional aspect of using a product or service, implying a purchase.

consumer

Emphasizes the act of consuming or utilizing goods or services.

account holder

Specifies someone who has an account with a service or organization.

subscriber

Highlights a recurring or subscription-based relationship with a service.

participant

Indicates someone who takes part in an activity or event.

member

Suggests belonging to a group or organization, often with associated privileges or responsibilities.

client

Implies a professional or service-oriented relationship, often in business or legal contexts.

patron

Suggests supporting an organization or cause, often through donations or regular use.

player

Refers to someone participating in a game or activity.

FAQs

How can I use the word "user" in a sentence?

The word "user" can be used in various contexts. For example, "The software is designed to be user-friendly" or "Each user must create a unique password".

What are some alternatives to the word "user"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "user" include "customer", "consumer", "end user", or "subscriber".

What's the difference between a "user" and a "customer"?

While both terms refer to someone who utilizes a product or service, "user" is a more general term. A "customer" specifically implies a transactional relationship where a purchase is made.

Is it correct to say "users" instead of "user"?

Yes, "users" is the plural form of "user" and is used when referring to multiple individuals or entities. For example, "The platform has millions of users worldwide".