verb

use

yoos

verb

To employ something for a particular purpose.

"She used a hammer to fix the loose shelf."

"You can use my laptop while yours is being repaired."

noun

The act of using something, or a purpose it serves.

"This tool has many uses around the house."

How to Use Use

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo put something to work for a purpose — or, as a noun, the act or purpose of doing so.

Common mistake

The verb is pronounced with a "z" sound ("yooz"), while the noun is pronounced with an "s" sound ("yoos").

Common pairings

make use of in use put to good use

used past tense, uses plural, use plural, used plural, uses singular, use singular, used singular, usest singular, usedst singular, useth singular

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She _____ a hammer to fix the loose shelf.

From Old French user, "to use, employ," from Latin ūtor, "to use."

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