utilise

USAGE SUMMARY

'utilise' is a completely correct and usable word in written English.
It is a synonym for 'utilize' which is more common in American English, and can be used to mean 'make use of' in any context where you would refer to making use of something. For example, "The company utilised its resources to create a new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The fossil fuel industry continues to utilise the revolving lobby door where high ranking government officials and politicians step out from years navigating the inner workings of government to land jobs as advocates and lobbyists.

The Guardian

"NGOs can provide the training around small-scale fly rearing practices," says Lewis. "This will help farmers to better utilise waste for the benefit of animal rearing".

The Guardian

The challenge is how you utilise it and make sense of it".

The Guardian

Park spokeswoman Sharon Parker said: "We are committed to determining the cause of this tragic accident and will utilise every resource throughout this process.

The Guardian

On paper, Duchamp invented a "transformer designed to utilise wasted energies", among them exhaled tobacco smoke, urine and excrement, ejaculation and tears.

The Guardian - Arts

| Carla Kweifio-Okai Volunteering overseas provides an opportunity for passionate individuals to utilise their skill sets in order to contribute to sustainable development around the world.

The Guardian

The treasurer told the ABC that by changing their benefits, employers were trying to "utilise what is meant to be a safety net".

The Guardian

Don't utilise five words when one will do.

The Guardian

Volunteering should acknowledge the skills that communities have and give them the knowledge and the opportunity to utilise those skills.

The Guardian

In fact, why utilise when you can use?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Oliver Harrison has turned Fielding from a one-dimensional hitter into a well rounded boxer, but his protege will also have to utilise a stoic defence as Smith carries power, especially from his left hook.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "utilise" is a perfectly valid word, consider your audience. In American English, "utilize" is more common, and in general English "make use of" might be clearer and more direct. Choose the option that best suits your writing style and the intended readership.

Common error

Avoid using "utilise" in very informal contexts. Simpler alternatives like "use" or "make use of" often sound more natural in casual conversation or writing. Overusing "utilise" can come across as stilted or pretentious in everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "utilise" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object to complete its meaning, indicating what is being used. For instance, "They utilise resources" where "resources" is the object. Ludwig AI confirms the correct use of "utilise" in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utilise" is a grammatically correct verb meaning to make use of something, primarily used in British English. While perfectly acceptable, remember that "utilize" is more common in American English, and simpler alternatives like "use" or "make use of" might be clearer in some contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the word is correctly employed across various domains, but is most frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. When writing, especially for a broader audience, consider the context and choose the most appropriate term to ensure clarity and avoid sounding overly formal. Choose a simpler construction for informal conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make use of

A more common and straightforward alternative to "utilise".

Employ

Suggests putting something into service or action.

Leverage

Implies using something to gain an advantage.

Apply

Suggests putting something to a specific purpose or task.

Exploit

Can imply using something resourcefully, but sometimes carries a negative connotation of unfair use.

Capitalize on

Focuses on taking advantage of an opportunity.

Harness

Implies controlling and directing something for a specific purpose.

Take advantage of

Similar to "capitalize on", but can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation.

Draw on

Suggests using something as a source or resource.

Put to use

A more descriptive way of saying "utilise", often used to clarify the purpose.

FAQs

How to use "utilise" in a sentence?

You can use "utilise" to mean "make use of". For example, "The company needs to "utilise its resources" more effectively" or "We must "utilise all available information" before making a decision."

What can I say instead of "utilise"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "make use of", "employ", "apply", or "leverage". Consider the specific nuance you want to convey when choosing an alternative.

Which is correct, "utilise" or "utilize"?

"Utilise" and "utilize" are both correct, but "utilize" is more common in American English, while "utilise" is more common in British English. Both words mean "to make use of". Choose the spelling appropriate for your target audience.

What's the difference between "utilise" and "exploit"?

While both "utilise" and "exploit" involve using something, "utilise" generally has a neutral or positive connotation, implying efficient use. "Exploit" can have a negative connotation, suggesting unfair or unethical use of something for one's own benefit.