utilize something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utilize something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of making practical or effective use of something. Example: "In order to improve efficiency, we need to utilize the latest technology available to us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

They also utilize something that (most) everyone has: fingers.

TechCrunch

The main idea in Stalnaker's passage and most of the work presented in Stalnaker 1970, as well as subsequent writings, is to utilize something less controversial than conditionals in order to decide some open issues in the semantics of conditionals.

SEP

Obviously, there is no ball to click on now, but I cannot figure out why Apple wouldn't utilize something like a two-finger click (possible with multi-touch) to do this.

TechCrunch

Utilize something like "adding my own message to Talk page" to let others know what you are doing is okay.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

What Siri represents is an extension of computing by utilizing something that (most) everyone has: voice.

TechCrunch

However, when we come to be aware of objects through our senses, we do so by utilizing something like a language embedded in our constitutions: our sensations function like a language that nature has constructed.

SEP

When you drive down the street or use the sidewalk, you are utilizing something your federal and local governments build and maintain.

Huffington Post

Thus, either (a) the ancestral process utilized something other than oxygen as the electron acceptor and subsequently each lineage separately evolved the means to utilize oxygen, or (b) the original process evolved in one phylum after oxygenation of the atmosphere and then moved by lateral transfer events to the other lineages.

Plosone

"You spend something like 6% to 9% of your life cleaning - that's a crazy amount of time that potentially could be better utilized for something else," says Steve Gutentag, the founder of New York City based GetMaid which aims to outdo its competitors by allowing customers to book a cleaner who will arrive within ninety minutes.

BBC

4. Room key in smartphone -- Real talk -- the amount of time I spend looking for my keys in my bag could well be utilized for something constructive on the whole.

Huffington Post

Once used by the orchard's owner to store sacks of fertilizer and farm implements, it is now utilized for something much more precious and important – a place where migrant children can receive an education.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider "utilize something" to convey a sense of careful and efficient use. However, in more casual contexts, "use something" may sound more natural.

Common error

Avoid using "utilize something" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "use something" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utilize something" functions as a verb phrase, where 'utilize' is a transitive verb requiring a direct object. Ludwig AI shows the phrase is used to indicate making practical and effective use of something. It denotes a deliberate and efficient application.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "utilize something" is grammatically sound and functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of making practical use of something. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered appropriate for formal and professional contexts, though it may sound overly formal in casual settings. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, suggesting a preference for professional and technical writing. While alternatives like "use something" and "employ something" exist, "utilize something" carries a nuance of deliberate and efficient application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

employ something

Replaces "utilize" with "employ", suggesting a formal application of something.

use something

Replaces "utilize" with "use", providing a more common and less formal alternative.

make use of something

An expanded form of "use something", offering a slightly more descriptive alternative.

apply something

Replaces "utilize" with "apply", emphasizing a deliberate and directed use of something.

harness something

Suggests controlling and using something, often energy or power.

put something to work

Replaces "utilize" with a more active and direct expression of using something for a purpose.

exploit something

Implies using something for one's own advantage, possibly with negative connotations.

leverage something

Indicates using something to maximize an advantage or outcome.

draw on something

Suggests using something as a source or resource.

capitalize on something

Indicates taking advantage of something, often an opportunity or asset.

FAQs

What does "utilize something" mean?

The phrase "utilize something" means to make practical and effective use of something. It suggests a deliberate and efficient application of a resource or tool.

When is it appropriate to use "utilize something"?

It's appropriate to use "utilize something" in formal writing, business reports, or technical documentation where a precise and somewhat formal tone is desired. In more casual contexts, "use something" may be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "utilize something"?

You can use alternatives such as "employ something", "apply something", or simply "use something" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

How does "utilize something" differ from "use something"?

"Utilize something" is generally considered more formal and suggests a more careful or efficient application. "Use something" is a more general and common term that can be used in almost any context.