The words \u201cuse\u201d and \u201cusage\u201d are often used in the same way by many English speakers (both native speakers and ESL learners).\u00a0 The meanings of these two words do overlap sometimes, but they are not true synonyms.\u00a0 The word “use” has many more meanings and applications than the word “usage.”\u00a0 Some people use the word \u201cusage\u201d as though it were just a fancier form of the word \u201cuse,\u201d but this is not the best way to use the word.\u00a0 In general, if either \u201cuse\u201d or \u201cusage\u201d seems like it could work in a sentence the best choice is probably \u201cuse\u201d as this is a more commonly used word with more meanings.\u00a0 The word “use” can in fact be either a noun or a verb and in many dictionaries this word has over 15 different definitions!\u00a0 On the other hand, the word “usage” is always a noun and the majority of time has a meaning related to a ‘customary’ or ‘habitual’ nature.\u00a0 Here are some of the most common definitions for these two words.<\/p>\n
use:<\/strong> (n) what something is used for (v) to put into service; to make work (v) take or consume usage:<\/strong> (n) the customary manner in which a language (or a form of a language) is spoken or written In general when thinking about how these words are different it is helpful to keep in mind that the term “usage” refers to conventions or patterns and often refers to language or words and how they are used, accepted, and understood.\u00a0 The word “use” has a much broader meaning and is found in more contexts.\u00a0 In my opinion, when in doubt, use the word “use.”<\/p>\n If you are looking for more tools to use to learn English<\/a> be sure to check out all that Transparent Language<\/a> offers English language learners!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The words \u201cuse\u201d and \u201cusage\u201d are often used in the same way by many English speakers (both native speakers and ESL learners).\u00a0 The meanings of these two words do overlap sometimes, but they are not true synonyms.\u00a0 The word “use” has many more meanings and applications than the word “usage.”\u00a0 Some people use the word…<\/p>\n
\n(n) the act of using, employing or putting into service
\nExample:\u00a0 The use<\/em> of tools was a major advancement for humans.<\/p>\n
\nThe paint brush is of use<\/em> to the painter.<\/p>\n
\nExample: Please use<\/em> the machine to wash your clothes.<\/p>\n
\nExample: My grandmother used<\/em> all of her medicine and needs more.<\/p>\n
\n(n) accepted or habitual practice
\nExample: The manager always reviews the usage<\/em> of benefits.<\/p>\n
\nExample: The English usage<\/em> of the word “the” is different from other languages.<\/p>\n