waste them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waste them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to using resources, time, or opportunities in a careless or inefficient manner. Example: "If we don't plan our budget wisely, we might end up wasting them on unnecessary expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Let's not waste them.

The Guardian - Film

Don't waste them on the N.B.A. either.

The New York Times

"I don't want to waste them".

The New York Times - Sports

Will she waste them like before?

The Guardian - Sport

He said, "We'll waste them in the outhouse".

The New Yorker

They're considered waste, them hearts, but they're stunningly tasty.

The Guardian - Music

It's like they have these fabulous bodies and don't want to waste them.

The New Yorker

"Mistakes are our best teachers, so don't waste them," Dr. Rosenthal wrote.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

My publicist calls these Moments™, and you're wasting them.

The New Yorker

Everyone saw that Putin promised to waste the terrorists, and he wasted them.

The New York Times - Magazine

He had three good opportunities against Lyons earlier this month, wasted them all and PSG drew 1-1.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing limited resources, use "waste them" to emphasize the negative consequence of depletion, for instance, "Don't "waste them" on frivolous pursuits."

Common error

While "waste them" is widely understood, in highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "squander them" or "misuse them" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

"Waste them" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in expressing the inefficient or detrimental use of resources, opportunities, or abilities. It highlights the negative consequence of not utilizing something effectively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "waste them" is a versatile verb phrase used to advise against the inefficient use of resources, opportunities, or abilities. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatical status is correct and its frequency is very common across different contexts. While widely used, it's essential to consider the tone and context when choosing between "waste them" and more formal alternatives like "squander them" or "misuse them". Remember to use the phrase to emphasize the negative consequences of depletion and to encourage mindful utilization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

squander them

Implies spending or using resources extravagantly or foolishly.

misuse them

Suggests using something in an incorrect or inappropriate way.

fritter them away

Indicates wasting time, money, or energy on unimportant things.

throw them away

Suggests discarding something valuable or useful.

lose them

Implies failing to take advantage of opportunities or resources.

dissipate them

Refers to gradually vanishing or becoming weaker.

deplete them

Implies reducing the quantity or availability of something.

not capitalize on them

Failing to use opportunities to your advantage.

fail to utilize them

To not make practical and effective use of something.

spend them unwisely

Using resources in an imprudent or foolish manner.

FAQs

How can I use "waste them" in a sentence?

You can use "waste them" to express the idea of using something carelessly or inefficiently. For example, "If you don't manage your time well, you might "waste them" on unproductive activities."

What are some alternatives to "waste them"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "waste them" with phrases like "squander them", "misuse them", or "fritter them away".

Which is correct: "waste them" or "waist them"?

"Waste them" is correct when referring to using resources inefficiently. "Waist them" is incorrect because "waist" refers to the part of the body between the ribs and hips.

What's the difference between "waste them" and "lose them"?

"Waste them" implies using something carelessly or inefficiently, whereas "lose them" suggests failing to take advantage of opportunities or resources.