use
Primary: verbCan function as: verb, noun
Zero derivation between verb and noun forms is common
๐ Pronunciation
/juหz/ (verb), /juหs/ (noun)
Syllables: use
Stress: single syllable
Verb form has voiced final consonant, noun has unvoiced
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Word Family
| Word Class | Forms |
|---|---|
| Verbs | use, used, using |
| Nouns | use, usage, user, usability |
| Adjectives | usable, useful, useless, used |
| Adverbs | usefully, uselessly |
Complex word family with multiple derivational patterns
๐ Noun Forms
| Singular: | use |
| Plural: | uses |
| Possessive: | use's |
Compound Forms
end-use, land-use, multi-use
Derived Forms
With suffixes: usage (-age), user (-er), usability (-ability)
๐ฏ Verb Forms
| Infinitive: | to use |
| Base form: | use |
| 3rd person singular: | uses |
| Past simple: | used |
| Past participle: | used |
| Present participle: | using |
| Gerund: | using |
๐ Meanings & Definitions
Noun Meanings
1
the act of using something
Countability: uncountable
“The use of mobile phones is prohibited here”
“This tool has many different uses”
Common collocations: make use of, practical use, daily use
Synonyms: utilization, application, employment
Antonyms: disuse, abandonment
neutralgeneral
2
the purpose or function of something
Countability: countable
“What's the use of this device?”
Common collocations: primary use, intended use, find a use for
Synonyms: purpose, function, utility
neutralgeneral
Verb Meanings
1
to employ something for a purpose
“She uses a computer at work”
“They used wood to build the house”
Synonyms: utilize, employ, apply
neutralgeneral
2
to consume or expend
“This car uses a lot of fuel”
“We used all the sugar”
Synonyms: consume, expend
neutralgeneral
๐ง Verb Patterns
use + object
“She uses a laptop”
Note: Most common pattern
use + object + for + noun/gerund
“I use this pen for writing”
Note: Expressing purpose
use + object + to + infinitive
“They used a knife to cut the bread”
Note: Expressing purpose with action
Transitivity
Type: transitive
Passive possible: Yes
Passive examples:
“This tool is used by professionals”
“The computer was used yesterday”
โ ๏ธ Common Errors
โ I am use to working lateโโ I am used to working late
Confusion between 'use' and the expression 'be used to'
Common for: Multiple language groups
High impact
โ I use go to school by busโโ I used to go to school by bus
Confusion with past habit 'used to'
โ I used this book since last yearโโ I have used this book since last year
Incorrect tense with 'since'