was put to use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was put to use" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe when something was utilized or used for a specific purpose. Example: The new technology we developed last year was finally put to use in our latest project, greatly improving our efficiency.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

She was put to use in the purser's office, stamping passenger forms.

The New Yorker

And as with Iraq, a critical question is how intelligence was put to use.

The New York Times

It was put to use whenever a member of the family was ill.

The New Yorker

The political cunning of Basil and Mahinda Rajapaksa was put to use.

The New York Times

In that role, the wheelchair-bound Gordon's intellectual brilliance was put to use as a hacker fighting crime in cyberspace.

The Guardian - Books

It was put to use on a grand scale in 1990 when Time Inc. bought Warner Communications.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Shane Smith visited Afghanistan to see just how $100 billion of US funds have been put to use.

Vice

Here too the elevator is put to use.

The Guardian - Travel

"It should be put to use on an everyday basis".

The New York Times

Hollywood realized that this passivity could be put to use.

The New Yorker

(That's when the chair will be put to use).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how a resource or skill was applied, specify the outcome or benefit achieved when using "was put to use". This provides context and highlights the impact of its utilization.

Common error

Avoid using "was put to use" without specifying what exactly was achieved. Instead of saying "the resources were put to use", clarify "the resources were put to use in developing new sustainable energy solutions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was put to use" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject (resource, skill, tool, etc.) underwent an action—that of being utilized or employed for a particular purpose. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was put to use" is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to express that something was utilized for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts, and while generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives like "was utilized" or "was employed" might be preferred in academic or business settings. When using the phrase, ensure you clarify the specific context and outcome of the utilization to provide clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was utilized

Focuses on the act of using something, emphasizing its utility or purpose. It's more formal than the original phrase.

was employed

Highlights the active engagement of something for a specific task or function, adding a sense of purpose.

was harnessed

Suggests controlling and directing something, like energy or resources, for a specific purpose. It implies a degree of effort.

was leveraged

Implies using something to gain an advantage or achieve a particular outcome. It is common in business contexts.

was implemented

Focuses on the execution or enactment of a plan, system, or process. It is a specific type of utilization.

was activated

Suggests initiating or setting something in motion to perform its intended function.

was brought into play

Indicates introducing something into a particular situation or context to achieve a desired effect.

was set to work

Emphasizes starting something to function, often implying a task or job to be done.

was made functional

Focuses on the transformation of something into a state where it can perform its intended function or purpose.

was rendered effective

Highlights the process of making something capable of achieving a desired result or outcome.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was put to use" for variety?

You can use alternatives like "was utilized", "was employed", or "was leveraged" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

What does "was put to use" imply about the subject?

The phrase "was put to use" implies that the subject (resource, skill, tool, etc.) had a specific purpose and was actively employed to fulfill that purpose. It suggests an intentional and practical application.

Is "was put to use" formal or informal?

The phrase "was put to use" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "was utilized" or "was implemented" may be preferred in academic or professional writing.

How to use "was put to use" in a sentence?

The phrase "was put to use" typically follows a noun or noun phrase that represents the resource, skill, or tool being used. For example: "The new technology "was put to use" to improve efficiency."