use
/juːz/ (bre, ipa) · /juːz/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈyüz/ (ame, mw) · /juːs/ (bre, ipa) · /juːs/ (ame, ipa)
use — verb
1. to operate a tool, machine, or object, or apply a skill or method, in order to g
to operate a tool, machine, or object, or apply a skill or method, in order to get something done.
Élise used her phone to check the bus schedule.
use + object + to-infinitive
The chef used fresh herbs to add flavour to the soup.
Joon used his knowledge of computers to fix the broken server.
Can I use your scissors to cut this piece of paper?
Owen used the library every weekend to study for his exams.
- neglect
to fail to use something that is available
文法句型
use + object
use + object + to-infinitive
常見錯誤
2. to take from a supply and leave less of it, or to consume it entirely, for insta
to take from a supply and leave less of it, or to consume it entirely, for instance by eating food, burning fuel, or applying materials until none remains.
The old heater uses a lot of electricity every winter month.
use + amount/quantity (electricity, fuel, water)
Adaeze used the last of the flour to bake a loaf of bread.
We have used all the hot water already, so I took a cold shower.
This recipe uses three eggs and a cup of sugar.
The new car uses much less petrol than the old one.
- save
to keep something for later rather than using it now
文法句型
use + object
use + up + object
用法筆記
Often used with 'up' to emphasise that something is completely consumed: 'They used up all the flour.'
常見錯誤
3. to choose and speak or write down a specific term or type of language in order t
to choose and speak or write down a specific term or type of language in order to convey a message.
Shirin used the word 'delighted' in her thank-you note.
use + word/phrase + in + context
The instructions use simple language so children can follow them.
Imran used a very formal tone in his job application letter.
You should use polite words when you speak to your elders.
The teacher asked the class to use complete sentences in their answers.
文法句型
use + word/phrase/language
use + noun + to-infinitive
常見錯誤
4. to treat someone unfairly for your own benefit, or to take selfish advantage of
to treat someone unfairly for your own benefit, or to take selfish advantage of a situation or opportunity.
The landlord used his tenants' fear of eviction to raise the rent.
use + noun (someone's fear/need) + to-infinitive
Sivan felt that her manager was using her by giving extra work without pay.
passive continuous: be + being + used
The politician used the crisis to gain more support from voters.
Beatriz warned her brother not to let anyone use him just because he is kind.
The camp leaders used the bad weather as an excuse to cancel the picnic.
- exploit
stronger negative connotation; suggests treating someone as a resource or tool
- take advantage of
phrasal equivalent; more common in everyday English
- help
to assist someone without expecting anything in return
文法句型
use + person
use + situation + to-infinitive
use + noun + as + noun
用法筆記
Frequently appears in the passive: 'He felt used by his friends.' The object is typically a person (when exploiting someone) or an abstract noun like 'situation' or 'opportunity'.
常見錯誤
❌ 'She used the opportunity' (neutral sense) when meaning 'She took advantage of the opportunity.' — 'use' with opportunity is neutral; 'take advantage of' adds the nuance of selfish benefit.
5. used to say that someone would like or would benefit from having something, typi
used to say that someone would like or would benefit from having something, typically expressed in the fixed phrase 'could use'.
After walking for hours under the sun, Lauren could use a cold drink.
could use + noun (beneficial thing wanted)
This living room could use a fresh coat of paint on the walls.
Anthony said he could use some help moving the heavy furniture.
The garden could use more sunlight to help the vegetables grow.
I could really use a short break after working all morning.
- need
stronger emphasis on necessity; 'could use' is softer and more polite
文法句型
could use + noun phrase
用法筆記
Only appears in the pattern 'could use' (or 'could really use'). It does not appear in other tenses: you cannot say 'I use a break' to mean 'I need a break.' Do not confuse with the other senses of 'use' — this is a fixed expression.
常見錯誤
use — noun
1. the purpose or function that something serves; what a particular object, tool, o
the purpose or function that something serves; what a particular object, tool, or method is meant to do.
This small kitchen knife has many different uses.
have + adjective + uses
What is the use of this red button on the remote control?
What is the use of...?
The old warehouse was converted for residential use.
Sirin found a new use for the wooden crate as a bookshelf.
This herb has several medicinal uses in traditional medicine.
文法句型
have a use
find a use for
put something to use
用法筆記
Often countable when referring to specific functions ('one use', 'several uses'), and uncountable in general statements ('a tool with many uses').
2. the action or fact of operating, handling, or employing something for a purpose.
the action or fact of operating, handling, or employing something for a purpose.
The use of mobile phones is not allowed during the exam.
the use of + noun + be + not allowed/permitted
This park is for the use of all residents in the neighbourhood.
for the use of + person/group
The machine broke down after years of constant use.
The use of seat belts has reduced the number of serious injuries.
Owen put his new camera to good use during his trip to Japan.
- employment
more formal; often used in legal or official documents
- usage
similar but often refers to the way something is used over time
文法句型
the use of + noun
in use
out of use
用法筆記
Non-count in most contexts; takes a singular verb. The fixed phrase 'in use' means something is currently being operated: 'All the computers are in use right now.'
3. the action of drawing upon resources or advantages that one can access, typicall
the action of drawing upon resources or advantages that one can access, typically expressed through the phrase 'make use of'.
We should make good use of the sunny weather while it lasts.
make + adjective + use of + noun
The school makes use of the gym for community sports events.
make use of + noun (available resource)
Imran made use of his grandfather's old tools to build the shelves.
The charity makes use of volunteers to run its programmes.
Make use of any free time to review your notes before the test.
- utilization
formal and technical, common in business or academic writing
- employment
formal; suggests deliberate application
文法句型
make + (good/full) + use of + noun
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the fixed structure 'make use of + noun'. The adjectives 'good', 'full', 'better', 'best' commonly modify 'use' in this pattern. Unlike the verb 'use', 'make use of' can sound more intentional and strategic.
常見錯誤
4. the right, permission, or ability to operate or employ something, especially whe
the right, permission, or ability to operate or employ something, especially when granted by someone else.
The tenants have the use of the garden and the parking space.
have the use of + noun (right/permission)
The cyclist lost the use of her left hand after the accident.
lose the use of + body part (ability)
We were given the use of the conference room for the afternoon.
Students have free use of the library and computer facilities.
The contract gives us the use of the software for one year.
文法句型
have the use of + noun
give someone the use of + noun
lose the use of + noun
用法筆記
Commonly appears as 'have the use of' (permission or access) and 'lose the use of' (losing physical ability, especially of a body part). Takes a singular verb even when referring to multiple items: 'The use of the facilities is included.'
5. the amount of a resource such as fuel, water, or electricity that is consumed ov
the amount of a resource such as fuel, water, or electricity that is consumed over time; the process of employing a resource until it is reduced.
The use of coal for heating has decreased in recent years.
the use of + fuel/resource + has + past participle
Water use increases dramatically during the hot summer months.
noun + use + verb (increases, decreases, rises, falls)
The report shows a steady rise in household energy use.
The use of single-use plastic bags has been restricted by law.
Efficient fuel use can save drivers a significant amount of money.
- consumption
more formal; frequently used in technical, economic, and environmental writing
- expenditure
suggests spending resources, especially money or energy
- conservation
the careful management and preservation of resources
文法句型
the use of + resource
energy/water/fuel use
用法筆記
Typically uncountable. Often appears with modifiers referring to specific resources: 'energy use', 'water use', 'fuel use', 'land use'. Common in environmental and economic discourse.
6. one distinct meaning that a term carries, or the manner in which people employ i
one distinct meaning that a term carries, or the manner in which people employ it when speaking or writing.
The word 'light' has several different uses in English.
word + has + adjective + uses (different, several, various)
This is a regional use of the word that is not common elsewhere.
adjective + use of + word (regional, formal, informal, old)
The dictionary lists the main uses of each word with examples.
The teacher explained the correct use of the word 'however'.
The use of slang is more common in spoken than in written English.
文法句型
a use of a word
in use
the use of + word
用法筆記
Distinguish from 'usage' (which refers to the general conventions of language) — 'use' here refers to a specific meaning or function of a particular word.