Language Research

use · verb T

/juːz/Full view

Word family

Nouns: usage, use, misuse, usefulness, user

Adjectives: reusable, used, unused, usable, useful, useless

Verbs: use, misuse, reuse

Adverbs: usefully

use (PURPOSE)

A1 If you use something, you do something with it for a particular purpose.

Dictionary examples:

Can I use your pen, please?

Do you use your computer much?

I paid for the tickets using my credit card.

She uses her car for work.

Nick used the money to buy a CD player.

Use scissors to cut the shapes out.

It gave me a chance to use my skills.

The old hospital isn't used any more.

Learner example:

She uses the Internet every day. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Hungarian)

use (REDUCE)

B1 to take an amount from a supply of something

Dictionary examples:

Taking a shower uses less water than taking a bath.

These bulbs use a lot of electricity.

Learner example:

The equipment in the kitchen is very old and use[s] a lot of electricity and gas. (Skills for Life (Entry 3); B1; Polish)

use (WORD)

B2 to say or write a particular word or phrase

Dictionary example:

"Autumn" is used in British English, but "fall" is the usual word in American English.

use (PERSON)

C2 to treat someone badly in order to get what you want

Dictionary example:

He was just using me to so he could meet the director.

Learner example:

What a horrible thing to do, just using people - especially him! (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Dutch)

use up sth or use sth up

B2 to finish a supply of something

Dictionary examples:

Don't use up all the milk - we need some for breakfast.

The Earth's resources are being used up at an alarming rate.

Learner example:

It saves time which would be used up [by] doing housework such as laundry, cleaning and ironing. (First Certificate in English; B2; Korean)

use · noun

/juːs/

Word family

Nouns: usage, use, misuse, usefulness, user

Adjectives: reusable, used, unused, usable, useful, useless

Verbs: use, misuse, reuse

Adverbs: usefully

use (USING)

A2 U when you use something, or when something is being used

Dictionary examples:

an increase in the use of mobile phones

Guests have free use of the swimming pool.

Turn the machine off when it's not in use.

Learner example:

There's a very good book. It's [called] "English grammar in use". (Key English Test; A2; Italian)

use (PURPOSE)

B1 C or U a purpose for which something is used

Dictionary examples:

A food processor has a variety of uses in the kitchen.

I'd have no use for a boat.

The land was no good for farming, but he found other uses for it.

Learner example:

We need computers in many places, and [for] many uses today. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

use (WORD)

B1 C one of the meanings of a word, or the way that a particular word is used

Dictionary example:

Can you list all the uses of the word "point"?

be (of) any/some use

B2 to be useful

Dictionary example:

Is this bag of any use to you?

Learner example:

I hope my remarks [will] be of some use. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

be (of) no use

B2 to not be useful

Dictionary example:

His advice turned out to be no use at all.

Learner example:

My mother came immediately, but it was no use because my brother isn't afraid of her, so she called my father. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

be no use doing sth

B2 used to say that trying to do something has no effect

Dictionary example:

It was no use talking to him - he just wouldn't listen.

Learner example:

It was no use [trying to] smoke cigarettes in this pub. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

make use of sth

B2 to use something that is available

Dictionary example:

We were encouraged to make use of all the facilities.

Learner example:

Finally, I think the designers will make use of the raw materials and create an innovative look for all of us. (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

the use of sth

C2 permission to use something, or the ability to use something

Dictionary examples:

Martin has offered me the use of his car.

He lost the use of his left arm in the accident.

Learner example:

One of my closest friend[s] who lost the use of her legs five years ago in a tragic car accident took part [in] this trip. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)