utilized

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utilized" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of making use of something or employing it for a specific purpose. Example: "The resources were effectively utilized to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Profit targets were set, human and physical resources were utilized to achieve them, and the owners went away happy.

The Guardian

A more thorough accounting of this effect has been implemented in the Extended Reconstructed Sea Surface Temperature data set version 4. This accounting is utilized in the paper.

The Guardian

More important, there is much more at stake if they fail to use information properly or if they allow inadequately "vetted" information to be utilized as though it were accurate.

The Economist

Because model organisms are utilized for experimental intervention, questions of representation must be juxtaposed with questions of manipulation (see the supplement on Model Organisms and Manipulation).

SEP

Different experimental approaches (cell and molecular biology, developmental genetics, and experimental embryology) are utilized in a specific set of model organisms (see below, Section 4) to dissect the workings of these developmental phenomena.

SEP

However, since different notions and models of reduction have been put forward, whether one takes a reductionist or anti-reductionist stance about a particular biological subdiscipline (e.g., classical genetics) actually depends on the notion of "reduction" being utilized (Wimsatt 1976b, Hull 1979).

SEP

The empirical researches of William Harvey (1578 1657), published in his Observations on the Generation of Animals in 1651, claimed to refute on empirical grounds the theory of the male and female semen utilized in the posthumously (1677) published accounts of Descartes, and the earlier atomistic accounts of Pierre Gassendi (1592 1655) and Nathaniel Highmore (1613 85) (Fisher 2006 in Smith 2006).

SEP

On one hand, Comte's emphasis on the historical progress of science over superstition allowed Darwin to be summoned in support of a theory of the progress of science over religion, and the Origin was so utilized in the preface to the first French translation made by feminist Clémence Royer Harveyy 2008 in Engels and Glick 2008).

SEP

It's worth emphasizing that while this distinction is utilized in sociological circles, it is grounded philosophically for Mead.

SEP

However, the notion of audience is left undeveloped in James, as is the manner in which language is utilized in the genesis of the self and self-consciousness.

SEP

Bracken accepts that other metaphors have been utilized but concludes that the world as God's body and field theory have proven the most helpful.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for "used" in most contexts for clarity and conciseness, reserving "utilized" for situations where you want to convey a more formal or technical tone.

Common error

Avoid using "utilized" in casual writing or conversation. It can sound pretentious when simpler alternatives like "used" or "applied" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "utilized" is as the past participle or past tense of the verb "utilize". It indicates that something has been put to use or employed for a specific purpose. Ludwig's examples show it often describes how resources, methods, or strategies are applied.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utilized" functions as the past tense and past participle of "utilize", meaning to make practical and effective use of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency, especially within scientific, news, and formal business contexts. While correct, simpler terms such as "used" are often preferred for brevity and accessibility. The choice between "utilized" and its alternatives depends on the desired level of formality and the specific nuances you aim to convey. Overusing "utilized" can make your writing sound pretentious, especially in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made use of

Replaces "utilized" with a more common and straightforward expression.

put to use

Suggests a practical application of something, similar to "utilized".

employed

A formal synonym for "utilized", indicating a deliberate use.

applied

Focuses on the active implementation of something, akin to "utilized".

implemented

Highlights the execution or carrying out of something, similar to "utilized".

harnessed

Implies controlling and directing something for a purpose, similar to "utilized".

leveraged

Indicates using something to maximum advantage, a specific form of "utilized".

capitalized on

Emphasizes taking advantage of an opportunity, a specific context of "utilized".

exploited

Suggests using something resourcefully, but can sometimes have negative connotations compared to "utilized".

brought to bear

A more formal way of saying "utilized", suggesting focused application.

FAQs

What is the simplest substitute for "utilized"?

The word "used" is generally the simplest and most widely applicable substitute for "utilized".

When is it appropriate to use "utilized" instead of "used"?

"Utilized" is appropriate when you want to convey a more formal or technical tone, or when emphasizing the efficient or effective use of resources. It is often employed in technical, scientific, or business contexts, but "used" is acceptable in many scenarios.

What is the difference between "utilized" and "exploited"?

"Utilized" means to make practical and effective use of something. "Exploited" means to use someone or something in a way that benefits you unfairly or unethically. While both involve using something, "exploited" carries a negative connotation.

Is "utilized" considered pretentious or overly formal in everyday writing?

In many everyday contexts, "utilized" can sound overly formal or pretentious. Simpler alternatives such as "used", "applied", or "employed" are often more appropriate and natural. Choose the word that best fits the tone and audience of your writing.