use1 verbuse2 noun
useuse1 /juːz/ ●●● S1 W1 verb 
WORD ORIGINuse1
Origin:
1200-1300 Old French user, from Latin usus, past participle of uti ‘to use’VERB TABLE
use
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | use |
| he, she, it | uses | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | used |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have used |
| he, she, it | has used | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had used |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will use |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have used |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am using |
| he, she, it | is using | |
| you, we, they | are using | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was using |
| you, we, they | were using | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been using |
| he, she, it | has been using | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been using |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be using |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been using |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Are we allowed to use a dictionary in the test?
- Can't you see Tad's just using you?
- Can I use your pen?
- Carla often doesn't use good judgment in selecting boyfriends.
- Charles was able to use his family connection for his own personal advancement.
- Do you mind if I use your phone?
- How often do you use the library?
- I can't tell you what to do - you must use your own discretion.
- I try not to use bad language around the kids.
- In his political life, he was not above using his families for his own ends.
- Martens uses her stage name when she travels.
- Morgan stopped using drugs and alcohol six years ago when he entered a long-term treatment program.
- Now that we have a car we very rarely use the buses.
- Planning is essential to make sure that resources are used effectively.
- Researchers often use questionnaires in their work.
- Right-wing activists used people's fears of unemployment as a way of stirring up extremism.
- She first started using drugs when she was thirteen.
- She lets herself be used and then dropped by almost every man she meets.
- The average Westerner uses over 260 lbs of paper every year.
- The drug smugglers used innocent travellers to carry the drugs through customs.
- A spectrograph uses optical elements called gratings or prisms to separate the light gathered by a telescope into its component colors.
- Every other machine in Harley's range uses its trusted formula of a 45 V-twin in a steel backbone frame.
- First, the wrong caulking had been used.
- Most scholars would agree that Mark came first and the other two used him in writing their accounts.
- Silly me, I have begun to conjure up an image of Newt Gingrich as a man more used than using.
- The experts were asked to use the four-point system commonly used in schools.
- This can be on-line or off-line recognition of hand-printed characters, or of machine-printed characters using optical character recognition.
- We shall use his perceived activities as an excuse for not growing up.
THESAURUS
to use something for a particular purpose: · Do you mind if I use your phone?· They rebuilt the church using local stone.· We use a range of different methods.
to use something that is available to you: · Staff can make use of a wide range of facilities.· She made full use of her contacts within the organization.
formal to use a particular method or skill in order to achieve something: · The surgeons employed a new technique.· They employed every means at their disposal (=every available method).
formal to use something that is available to you, for a practical purpose: · The company has developed a new way to utilize solar energy.· a better way of utilizing the space
to use something as fully and effectively as possible, or to use something that will give you an advantage over your opponent: · The country’s natural resources have not yet been fully exploited.· He was quick to exploit any weakness in his opponent’s argument.
to use something such as a method, idea, or system in a particular situation: · New technology is being applied to almost every industrial process.· I wanted to apply the things that I had learned on the course.
to use information, knowledge, or experience that you have learned in the past: · He was able to draw on his own experience as a diplomat when he was writing the book.· Journalists draw on information from many different sources.
to use violence, force, threats etc as a way of achieving something: · Extremists on both sides resort to violence.· We are prepared to resort to force if necessary.
to use your power or your rights formal to use your rights, authority, influence etc: · Only 40% of the population exercised their right to vote.· Congress must decide whether to exercise its veto.
formal to use great power or influence: · The central banks wield enormous power.
Longman Language Activatorto use something for a purpose · Do you mind if I use your phone?· Are we allowed to use a dictionary in the test?· They rebuilt the church using local stone.use something to do something · Use a calculator to check your answers.use something for doing something · We use the shed for storing our firewood.use something as something · We decided to use the second bedroom as a junk room.
if you do something with a tool, piece of equipment etc you use a tool, piece of equipment etc to do it: · Beat the egg with a fork.· Do you have anything I can open the bottle with?
to use something you have available for a particular purpose: · To build the shelter, they had to make use of whatever bits of wood or plastic they could find.make use of to do something: · The Romans made use of volcanic ash to produce concrete.make use of as: · Who were the first to make use of pigeons as messengers?
to use particular methods, knowledge, skills etc · Researchers often use questionnaires in their work.· I can't tell you what to do - you must use your own discretion.use something to do something · The nurse must use her communication skills to make the patient feel at ease.· These new techniques are already being used to produce special effects in films.
to use a method, skill, or piece of information that is available to you: · People asked her why she didn't make use of her musical talent and give singing lessons.· We might as well make good use of his expertise while he's here.
to start to use something, especially knowledge or a skill that has not been used before: · Your knowledge of computers can finally be put to use when the office buys a new system next month.· When governments acquire personal information about people they always try to put it to political use.put something to good use: · I finally feel that I can put all my education to good use in this job.
to use something such as a method, idea, or system in a particular situation, activity, or process: apply something to something: · New technology is being applied to almost every industrial process.· You can't apply policies designed for a big country like the United States to a small country like Cuba.apply something to do something: · There are several tests you can apply to find out how old a tree is.
to use your authority, influence etc effectively in order to achieve something: · Parents sometimes need to exercise their authority and say "no" to their children.· The Congress must decide whether to exercise its veto or not.· Many people are exercising their right to leave the state pension plan.
also utilise British formal to use something that is available to you: · Employers must utilize their workers more effectively if the region is to become an economic success.
to use information, knowledge, or experience that you have learned in the past, in order to do something more effectively: · As a teacher, she drew on her knowledge of her own children.· Journalists draw on both published and unofficial information from many different sources.· It was a challenge, but luckily we had the experience to draw on.
to use something as fully and effectively as possible in order to gain as much as possible from it: · Britain consistently fails to exploit the scientific discoveries made in its universities.· The country's natural resources have not yet been fully exploited.
to use a service that is available · How often do you use the library?· Now that we have a car we very rarely use the buses.· The hotel used to offer a baby-sitting service, but no one ever used it.
to use something that is available, especially in order to enjoy it or to get something that you want from it: · Not enough people are making use of the company's fitness centre.make good use of something: · Students are encouraged to make good use of all the computing facilities.
someone who uses something · Software should be designed to be as accessible as possible to users.road/phone/library etc user · Drunken drivers are a menace to themselves and other road users.· A new information service will soon be available to library users.end user (=the person who uses a product) · Computers are sold direct to end users as well as through dealers.
to use a situation in order to gain an advantage: use something to do something · She used her position as manager to get jobs for her friends.· The prisoners used the confusion caused by the fire to conceal their escape.use something for something · Charles was able to use his family connection for his own personal advancement.use something as something · Right-wing activists used people's fear of unemployment as a way of stirring up extremism.
to use a situation in order to gain as much advantage for yourself as possible, especially in a way that people disapprove of: · Opposition leaders were quick to exploit government embarrassment over the incident.exploit something to do something: · The country could exploit its position as a major oil producer to push up world oil prices.
to use a situation in order to gain an advantage for yourself, especially when that situation has already existed for some time: · I made use of my old contacts to get a job when I come back from Australia.· The Republicans were making use of their large majority in congress to block legislation on taxes.
to use an opportunity in order to do what you want or need to do: · Shoppers flocked to take advantage of a supermarket price war which cut the price of many goods.take advantage of to do something: · Many small investors are taking advantage of these attractive share offers to make a quick profit.
: play on somebody's fears/greed/sympathy/prejudices etc to use someone's fears, sympathy etc in order to gain an advantage for yourself: · A common sales tactic is to play on people's greed in order to make them buy more than they need.· Disguised as an electrician, he played on people's trust to trick them out of money.
to use a situation in order to gain an advantage and make yourself more successful or more effective: · Teachers can capitalize on young children's natural curiosity.fail to capitalize on something: · The generals failed to capitalize on the weaknesses and divisions in the enemy camp.capitalize on to do something: · Will the President capitalize on his immense popularity to exert strong leadership?
used for a particular purpose: be used as · Three extra rooms were used as classrooms when necessary.· An old Chianti bottle can be used as an attractive base for a table-lamp.be used for · The tanks are used for storing chemicals.be used to do something · Hypnosis is sometimes used to help people give up smoking.
to be intended to be used for a particular purpose: · "What are these buttons for?" "They're for controlling the heating system."· The phones are for internal communication only.
to be used for a particular purpose, especially a different purpose from its original one: · The old hospital in London Road now serves as a hostel for the homeless.· They had no bathroom, so a hole in the ground served as a toilet.
if something doubles as something else, it is used for that purpose as well as for its original purpose: · The village post-office doubles as a store.· Lingerie that doubles as clothing was very fashionable at the time.
what something can be used for a way in which something can be used: · Robots have many different uses in modern industry.· The land has been developed for tourism and other recreational uses.use of: · the use of animals in scientific experiments
a practical use of something, especially in science or industry: application of: · The possible applications of this invention are limitless.practical application: · scientific research and its practical applications
the purpose for which something is intended or the way people use it: · What is the function of literature in our society?function of: · The main function of the bars is to protect the driver's legs.
being used now if a room or machine is in use , it is being used by someone at the present time: · The meeting room is in use at the moment, so we'll have to go somewhere else.· All the photocopiers are in use. Could you come back later?
if seats, rooms, beds etc are occupied , they are being used and are therefore not available for anyone else to use: · All the chairs in the hall were occupied and at least 100 people had to stand.· We're having to turn patients away because all the beds are occupied.
if a seat in a train, theatre, restaurant etc is taken , it is not available because someone else is already sitting there or will be soon: · I'm sorry. This seat's taken.· There was nowhere to sit down in the hall. All the seats were taken.
British if a telephone line or a public toilet is engaged , someone else is using it: · Every time I try to call her, the line's engaged.· When the toilet is engaged, a red light shows above the door.
something that can be used something that is available can be used, for example because no one else is using it or it is not being used for anything else: · This program will take up a lot of your available disk space.every available: · Houses were being built on every available plot of land.whatever is available: · Use whatever seasonal vegetables are available.
use this about a chair, room, table etc that you can use because no-one else is using it: · The office next door is free if you need somewhere to work.· There's just one free table, over there in the corner.
something that is usable can be used, because it works well or because it has been made ready for use: · I know the bicycle's old, but it's still usable.· The refinery turns crude oil into usable products such as gas and tar.· The program has some nice features that make it more usable than most.
if a ticket, passport etc is valid , you can legally use it and it will be officially accepted.: · Do you have a valid driver's license?valid for: · Your ticket is valid for travel at any time of the day.valid for 10 years/two months/one week etc: · My passport is valid for 10 years.
a current official document has not yet reached the date after which it can no longer be used: · Acceptable forms of ID include a current passport or a birth certificate.
something that can be used in various ways something that is versatile can be used in many different ways: · Few foods are as versatile as cheese.· Because lavender oil is versatile and cheap, it is the most used in aromatherapy.· a versatile work table
a multi-purpose tool, machine, piece of equipment etc has been specially designed to have many different uses: · The emergency box contains a multi-purpose knife with screwdriver, scissors and a can-opener.· The new multi-purpose bank card gives access to your checking accounts and can also be used as a credit card.
an all-purpose product has been specially made for all the uses which that type of product has: · You can buy an all-purpose greetings card, with blank space, for you to write in your own message.· an all-purpose cleaning fluid
to use something again to use something more than once: · The supermarket encourages shoppers to reuse plastic bags.· The bottles are designed to be reused up to 20 times.
to put bottles, newspapers, cans etc through a process so that they can be used for making new glass products, paper etc: · New techniques for recycling plastics are being introduced.
to use something wrongly to use something wrongly, for a purpose that was not intended: · Measures must be taken to prevent confidential data from being misused.· He is accused of misusing public funds.
to use something for a bad purpose, especially to use a position of power or trust in order to get a personal advantage: · Local politicians abused their privileges to make themselves rich.· people who abuse the welfare system
words, remarks, ideas etc that have been used too much used too much and therefore no longer interesting or effective: · 'Creative' is an over-used word nowadays and is difficult to define.· His lecture turned out to be full of unoriginal material and over-used examples.
no longer interesting or exciting because of having been used too much: · Nicholson's routine was full of stale old jokes that we'd all heard before.· stale advertising images
a trite remark, idea etc has been used so often, that is seems boring or not sincere: · I know it might sound like a trite remark, but mothers usually know best.
if an excuse, an argument, someone's behaviour etc is wearing thin , it has been used so often that it no longer has any effect and is annoying: · Her rebellious teenager act is wearing thin. After all, she's nearly twenty-five.be wearing a bit/a little thin: · That joke is wearing a bit thin now, Stuart.
speech, writing or an idea that is clichéd is boring and without real meaning, because it is not original at all: · the clichéd openings of jokes like, "Have you heard the one about...?"· We work well together and we are really good friends. I know it sounds clichéd but it's the truth.
a hackneyed phrase, statement etc is boring and does not have much meaning because it has been used so often before: · Politicians tend to repeat the same hackneyed expressions over and over again.· All those slogans we used to chant sound so hackneyed now.
no longer being used especially British a disused factory, mine, railway etc is old and not used any more: · The drugs were found in a disused warehouse.· They have been given a grant to convert the disused church into luxury flats.
something that is unused has not yet been used or has not been used for a long time: · His old car sat in the garage, unused.· Batteries which are unused for long periods may have to be recharged.· Unused muscles can feel very sore when you start exercising.
if machines or factories are idle , they are not being used: · stand/sit/lie idle: · Most of the factory stood idle during the strike.· The new machines may sit idle for months until they have been paid for.· Why is millions of pounds worth of state-of-the-art equipment lying idle?
if something such as a machine or a plan gathers dust , it is not being used, especially when it could be useful: · Some of the new equipment is just gathering dust because the staff have not been trained to use it.· The plans lie gathering dust in some government office.
if something falls into disuse , people gradually stop using it because they no longer need or want it: · The canal system fell into disuse around the end of the nineteenth century.· When the old woman died, the house fell into disuse.
documents, tickets etc that can no longer be used a ticket, passport etc that is invalid cannot legally be used and it will not be officially accepted: · I'm afraid your ticket is invalid on this route.· This passport is invalid. Look at the expiry date.
a ticket, passport etc that is out of date cannot be used because the time during which it could be used has passed: · Are you aware that your passport is out of date?days/months/years out of date: · He tried to get on the train using a pass that was months out of date.
a document such as a contract that is null and void has no legal force and cannot be used for any purpose - used in legal contexts: · If the contract has not been signed by witnesses, it is considered null and void.
to use an amount of something to use an amount of something such as fuel, water, or food: · Who's used all the hot water?· We use about six pints of milk a week.· Planning is essential to make sure that resources are used effectively.· The average Westerner uses over 260 lbs of paper every year.
to use all of something, so that there is none left: use up something: · We should use up everything in the fridge before we go on vacation.· The country's oil reserves will soon be used up.use something up: · That is to say, once we have used our fossil fuels up, there won't be any more.
formal to use fuel, energy, water, and other natural products - use this especially to talk about the amount of fuel, energy etc used by people in general: · The US imports 45% of the oil that it consumes.· Industrialized countries consume natural resources in huge quantities.
to use a large amount of something in a short period: · Sometimes I go through a whole pack of cigarettes in a single afternoon.· We went through our food supplies at an alarming rate.
to use a lot of something, especially energy or fuel: · In the typical Western diet, all the energy in protein is burned up daily.burn up calories (=to use energy, for example by exercising): · Women tend to burn up calories less efficiently than men.
if something eats up money, gas, electricity etc, it uses it very quickly and in large amounts: · My rent eats up most of my money.· Non-energy saving light bulbs just eat up electricity.· The V8 is a very powerful engine, but it really eats up gas.
to use space or time, especially a lot of it: · Filing cabinets are very useful but they take up a lot of space.· I'll go now - I don't want to take up too much of your time.
formal: expend energy/time/effort etc to use energy, time etc when you are doing something, usually too much of it: · The final result hardly justifies the amount of time and energy that has been expended.expend something on/upon something: · We expend a lot of effort every day upon quite pointless activities.
the amount of something that is used the amount of fuel, energy etc that people use: water/fuel/energy etc consumption: · The government is urging people to reduce their water consumption.· Most people are aware of the need to reduce energy consumption.consumption of: · declining consumption of coal, oil and gas
someone that regularly uses amounts of something · Part of the increase in price will be passed on to private users.· one of the heaviest users of fossil fuels in the worlddrug user · There is a growing concern about the spread of AIDS among drug users.
someone who buys and uses products and services: · Only 25% of the price a consumer pays for vegetables goes to the farmer.consumer demand/behaviour/preferences etc: · Supermarkets are responding to increased consumer demand for organic products.· Improved consumer choice is one of the benefits of a free market.the consumer (=consumers generally): · Any increase in the cost of transporting goods will be passed on to the consumer.
amounts of something that have not been used something that is unused , has not been used, especially because it has not been needed: · Any unused wool can be returned to the shop.· Unused ammunition was dumped by US planes over Laos.· the safe disposal of unused stocks of pharmaceutical products
not used at all - use this when it is unusual or surprising that something has not been used: · The guests had disappeared and the food was untouched.leave something untouched: · We managed to leave our savings untouched when we bought the new car.
untapped supplies of something, especially a natural product, have not been used: · Untapped reserves of oil and minerals are thought to lie beneath the desert.· The firm recognized that the potential of their databases went largely untapped.untapped resources: · The plants of the Australian outback represent a vast untapped resource.
to use someone for your own advantage · Can't you see they're just using you?· She lets herself be used and then dropped by almost every man she meets.use somebody to do something · The drug smugglers used innocent travellers to carry the drugs through customs.use somebody for your own ends (=for your own advantage) · In his political life, he was not above using his family for his own ends.
to use someone for your own advantage, especially someone who is very generous or is easily persuaded or deceived: · Don't let them take advantage of you. Stand up for yourself.· Older brothers and sisters often take advantage of the younger children in a family.take advantage of somebody's good nature: · She's always willing to babysit, but I don't want to take advantage of her good nature.
to use someone in order to get what you want, especially to make money from their work: · Many employers are only too ready to exploit and underpay female part-time workers.· Peasants in remote areas of the country were being shamelessly exploited by wealthy land owners.
to make someone do exactly what you want them to do by influencing them in a clever and dishonest way: · He's so crazy about her he doesn't realize he's being manipulated.manipulate somebody into (doing) something: · He managed to manipulate her into lending his company £500,000.· He's such a nice man, I could imagine him getting manipulated into a situation like that.
informal to be able to persuade someone to do anything you want, especially someone who likes or loves you: · Young girls quickly learn how to wind Daddy around their little finger.have somebody wound/wrapped around your little finger: · It was obvious she had her mother wrapped around her little finger.
someone who is used by someone else someone who is used by a more powerful person or group as part of their plans for getting power, especially when the person being used does not realize this: · The soldiers were nothing more than pawns, regarded as dispensable by their officers.use somebody as a pawn: · The ambassador was being used as a pawn in the struggle between the two superpowers.
a ruler or government that seems to be independent but is really controlled by the government of another more powerful country: a puppet ruler/regime/government: · In 1290, Edward I set up a puppet government in the Scottish lowlands.puppet of: · During the 70s many Eastern European leaders were merely puppets of the Kremlin.
someone who is controlled and used unfairly by another person or group, especially to do something bad: tool of: · The king was merely a tool of the military regime.
someone who always does what another person or group wants: · Community leaders in the area are widely regarded as police stooges.stooge of: · He accused her of being a stooge of the Tory Party.
someone who is used and controlled by someone or something more powerful: instrument of: · Even small children were used as instruments of the regime, encouraged to spy on and report their parents.· The Committee on Ethics in Public Life was regarded by many as being a mere instrument of the government.
to take a drug to put a drug into your body - use this about legal or illegal drugs: · I can't take penicillin; I'm allergic to it.· She took a couple of aspirins before going to bed.take drugs (=use illegal drugs): · Sinclair admitted that she had taken drugs several years before.· He neither drinks nor takes drugs.
to take a drug regularly, especially because you cannot stop taking it: be on heroin/cocaine/speed etc: · How long has she been on heroin?be on drugs (=regularly take illegal drugs): · Our 28-year-old son is on drugs.
to regularly take illegal drugs: · She first started using drugs when she was thirteen.· Morgan stopped using drugs and alcohol six years ago when he entered a long-term treatment program.
informal to take illegal drugs, especially regularly: · I did a lot of drugs when I was at university.· Davis said he quit doing drugs when he became a parent.
to put a drug into someone's body using a needle: · Most heroin users prefer to inject the drug.· A drug that is injected reaches the brain faster than if it is smoked or sniffed.· Two years ago I was both smoking and injecting.
to stop being affected by a powerful drug that you have taken: · I think I'm starting to come down. Let's smoke another joint.
to use all of something especially British to eat or drink all of something, so that there is none left: · The kids have finished all the ice-cream.· Wait till I've finished my drink and then we'll go.· Come on, finish your dinner.
if you run out of something that you need, there is none left: · We ran out of gas on the freeway last night.· By the time they got back to the camp, they had nearly run out of water.
to use all of something, especially when it is difficult to get more of it: use up something: · By 2100, we may have used up all our supplies of natural gas.use something up: · I thought I'd bought plenty of paint, but we used it up before the room was finished.
written to use up all of something, especially a supply of something that will be difficult to replace: · What will happen when we have exhausted all our natural resources?· The organization has exhausted all its funds.· Over-intensive farming had exhausted the supply of nutrients in the soil.
to lend something to someone also loan especially American, spoken to let someone have money which they will pay back later, or let them use something that is yours, which they will give back to you later: lend/loan somebody something: · Can you lend me $20?· I wish I'd never lent him my car.· We loaned him ten bucks, but he never paid it back.lend/loan something to somebody: · Did you lend that book to Mike?· I lent my penknife to someone, but I can't remember who it was now.· The camera had been loaned to him by his cousin.
to let someone use something that belongs to you, for a short time, especially something such as a room, a house, or something large or expensive: · Some friends are letting us use their house while they are on vacation.· I asked whether she'd let me use her skis, and she said no.· Jim was going to let me have his car while he's away, but he's changed his mind.
something that is on loan , especially a library book or a painting, has been lent to a person or organization: · Is this your video or is it on loan?be on loan from: · The museum has an exhibition of paintings on loan from the Louvre.be on loan to: · It's a digital tape recorder, and it's on loan to me.be out on loan: · If you type in the title, the computer tells you how many copies the library has, and whether they're out on loan.
to lend someone some money: · I thought Dad might give me a loan to set me up in business again. · "I can't afford it, it's too expensive." "Do you want me to give you a loan?"· The bank wouldn't give me a loan because they said I had a bad credit rating.
to allow someone to use something large such as a house or car, especially for a fixed period of time: · Mohammed's giving me the use of his office until I can find a place of my own.· We persuaded the manager to give us free loan of the room and equipment for rehearsals.· She was given the use of the church hall to hold the event.
to lend a painting, work of art etc to a place where it can be shown to the public: · The gallery is currently exhibiting nine bronze statues loaned by the Victoria and Albert Museum.loan something to somebody: · The Museum of Modern Art has agreed to loan its entire Warhol collection to the exhibition.· According to the agreement, the Monet painting is to be retained in France and loaned to the Musée d'Orsay for a limited period.loaned from somebody: · Visitors will be able to examine original documents loaned from the British Museum.
WORD SETSacid, nounaddict, nounaddicted, adjectiveaddiction, nounaddictive, adjectiveamphetamine, nounbong, nouncannabis, nounclean, adjectivecocaine, nouncoke, nouncold turkey, nouncontrolled substance, nouncrack, nouncut, verbdeal, verbdealer, noundesigner drug, noundetox, noundetoxification, noundope, noundope, verbdopehead, noundowner, noundrug, noundrug addict, noundrug baron, noundrug czar, noundrug dealer, noundruggie, noundrug rehabilitation, noundrug runner, nounecstasy, nounfix, nounganja, noungear, nounglue-sniffing, noungrass, nounhallucinogen, nounhallucinogenic, adjectivehard, adjectivehard drugs, nounhash, nounhashish, nounhemp, nounheroin, nounhigh, adjectivehigh, nounhippie, nounhit, nounjoint, nounjunkie, nounline, nounLSD, nounmagic mushroom, nounmainline, verbmarijuana, nounmescaline, nounmethadone, nounmule, nounnarc, nounnarcotic, adjectiveneedle, nounOD, verbopiate, nounopium, nounoverdose, nounpeddler, nounpep pill, nounpot, nounpsychedelic, adjectivepush, verbpusher, nounrecovery program, nounreefer, nounrehab, nounroach, nounscore, verbshooting gallery, nounsmack, nounsmoke, nounsniff, verbsnort, verbsnort, nounsnow, nounsoft drug, nounsolvent abuse, nounspeed, nounstash, nounsteroid, nounstoned, adjectivestrung-out, adjectivesubstance abuse, nountab, nountake, verbtrafficking, nountrip, nountrip, verbuse, verbwasted, adjectiveweed, nounwithdrawal, nounwithdrawal symptoms, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
Drop-down menus make the program very easy to use. Gerald had been using her for his own ends. Don’t use bad language.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Gas appliances are usually cheaper to run than electric ones. For the employer, a part-time workforce means a cheap labour supply. The judge exercised his discretion rightly to admit the evidence. You should make good use of your time. the film’s heavy use of special effects an imaginative use of computer technology the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers cleaning products that are for industrial use only (=not to be used at home) It’s on the 3rd floor. Let’s use the lift. Unfortunately, the drug is of limited value in treating cancer. It’s easy enough to do if you just use your noddle (=think). Oh come on, use your nut! a young wife whose husband used her as a punching bag The computer is now set up and ready to use. Penn Station was in regular use (=people used it often) until the 1960s. The water is treated to make it safe to drink. Employers used scare tactics to force a return to work. the widespread use of chemicals in agriculture
Drop-down menus make the program very easy to use. (=use violent methods)
Gerald had been using her for his own ends. Don’t use bad language.· This approach has been used for a number of major investigations.
(also run on batteries)· The clock runs on two 9-volt batteries.
· Making the best use of space is important in any room.
· It’s easy if you just use your brain.
(=travel by bus)· It’s easier to go on the bus than to drive.
· The children are taught to use calculators from a young age.
(=one that is not new)· The company locates suitable new and used cars for buyers.
· I don’t use a card if I can pay by cash.
· She knew when to use her charm in order to get what she wanted.
Gas appliances are usually cheaper to run than electric ones. For the employer, a part-time workforce means a cheap labour supply.· Interviewers often use a checklist to ensure that they’ve covered everything.
· Farmers use chemicals to kill insects that would destroy their crops.
· 'Time marches on', to use the old cliché.
· My bike isn’t very comfortable to ride.
· The trees were planted for commercial use.
· If something goes wrong, just use your common sense.
· Some of the kids were learning how to use a map and compass.
· Most people do jobs in which they have to use a computer.
· The survey showed only 15% of people had never used credit.
· What criteria do we use to decide whether one book is better than another?
· We advise all our students to use a good dictionary.
The judge exercised his discretion rightly to admit the evidence.· I think I took drugs to escape my problems.
(=taking drugs)· She is being treated for drug abuse.
· We must work towards the more efficient use of all natural resources.
· The system uses electricity to heat the water.
· Washing machines use a lot of energy.
· 30% of all our energy use is in the home.
· It's quicker to use the side entrance.
· Mr Gomez will now demonstrate how to use the equipment safely.
· He used several examples to illustrate his point.
· Farmers have been criticized for their excessive use of chemical fertilizers.
· We had exclusive use of the house while he was away.
· She never complained or used her illness as an excuse.
(=use every possible excuse)· He used every excuse in the book to avoid seeing the doctor.
· In the event of a fire, please use the emergency exit nearest to you.
(=written on medicines which must be put on your skin and not swallowed)
· Guests are welcome to use all the hotel’s facilities.
· We hope students make use of the new facilities.
· People need to learn how to use fuel more efficiently.
You should make good use of your time. the film’s heavy use of special effects· They were found guilty of the illegal use of confidential information.
· Musicians need to use their imagination as well as their technical skills.
an imaginative use of computer technology the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers cleaning products that are for industrial use only (=not to be used at home)· She wasn’t afraid to use her influence to get what she wanted.
· Many recipes in this book use Chinese ingredients.
· More and more companies are using the Internet to conduct their business.
· The software allows parents to control children’s Internet use.
· The children use their native language at home.
(=I want to hear something funny to cheer me up)· Tell me what she said - I could use a laugh.
· I used all my leave in the summertime.
· You can use the library before or after school.
It’s on the 3rd floor. Let’s use the lift. Unfortunately, the drug is of limited value in treating cancer.· Why do we not apply the same logic in the way we treat animals?
· Airlines may be exploiting legal loopholes in order to employ pilots trained outside the US.
· Can you use the copy machine?
· By using magic, he can order the ghost of any dead person to be his servant.
· She rarely uses make-up.
(=use any method or many methods)· He will use any means to get what he wants.
· The leaflet tells you how to use the medication correctly.
· To use her own metaphor, she is a caged bird who wants to fly free.
(also employ a method formal)· Which payment method do you use when travelling?
· Bend your knees and use your thigh muscles when picking up heavy objects.
(=tell people that you have a particular name)· She may be using a false name.
(=say their name when speaking to them)· I didn’t know him well enough to use his first name.
· I don't think he even knows how to use a needle!
It’s easy enough to do if you just use your noddle (=think). Oh come on, use your nut! (=do something you have a chance to do)· Several employees took the opportunity to retire early.
· He bought a computer for his personal use.
· Try to cut your motoring costs and use less petrol.
· Do you mind if I use your phone?
· She can now use her position to do some good.
(also exercise (your) power formal)· The party will use all its power and influence to raise the issue in the Senate.· Questions have been asked about the way the police exercised their power.
· Knowledge without understanding is of little practical use.
· Latin America was afraid that the invasion of Panama would be used as a precedent.
· The documentation explains how to use the program.
a young wife whose husband used her as a punching bag The computer is now set up and ready to use. Penn Station was in regular use (=people used it often) until the 1960s.· Modern products use fewer natural resources.
(also make use of resources)· We must use our resources efficiently.
The water is treated to make it safe to drink. Employers used scare tactics to force a return to work.· The machine is very simple to use.
· I am sure you can use your communication skills to get your message across.
· Several companies have already begun using the software.
(also employ a strategy formal)· What strategies do you use to deal with these problems?
· He used all his strength to heave the door shut.
· The diver had nearly used up his supply of oxygen.
· They use a system of grades to evaluate each hospital’s performance.· We operate a booking system.
· We used various tactics to get their support.
· They have been using their artistic talents to brighten up the school.
(also employ a technique formal)· By using commercial shipbuilding techniques, the Navy hoped to reduce costs.
· May I use your telephone?
· a term used by psychiatrists
· They were willing to resort to violence to achieve their ends.
· A police spokesman said that the use of violence, while regrettable, was necessary.
· They claim the government used chemical weapons against them.
the widespread use of chemicals in agriculture· Be very careful how you use the word ‘natural’.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN· Ileal motility was measured by integrating the area under the pressure-time curve, during 1 minute periods, using computer software.· Airlines for years have used computers to predict demand and set fares to maximize revenues.· Some one who uses different computers at home and at work will need two digital signatures.· Years ago, adults used expensive, high-powered computers at work and bought a low-end machine for the kids.· Conventional taxonomic publications can still be produced using computers, but much more rapidly and cheaply.
· The idea was tested by using drugs which produced convulsions.· As he grew older, he used hallucinogenic drugs.· Nineteen had used only one drug prior to heroin use, principally cannabis, the rest using a variety of drug combinations.· It would increase mandatory penalties for drug dealers selling drugs to children or using children to sell drugs.· If it turns out that your teenager is using drugs and has problems, you have something very painful to face.· Therefore claims incurred where, for example, a vessel was being used for drug smuggling would not be covered.· Over 90 percent of the heroin users at each agency had been using the drug for between one month and five years.· Around half know of some one who uses drugs.
· My main impressions are that it is easy to use and displays information clearly.· It is used to display information about the customer business, the customer product, or the customer services.· This use of probability information is susceptible to the problems of using statistical information outlined earlier and described by Sayre.· Integration Recognition can be improved by using additional linguistic information.· Third, we can use comparative information.· What that experience demonstrates is that the teacher very rarely uses the voluminous information, which is nevertheless conscientiously stored and retained.· A significant proportion of the dolphin's brain is thought to be used in processing the information produced by the echolocation system.
· Such experimental retrieval may be more necessary for searches using the natural language of the document.· Jefferson never used stronger language than Carroll did against religion supPorted by law.· The loss of Lardie Moonlight Tribal people are sometimes thought to use primitive languages.· Fiennes has to use expressive body language and an extensive vocal palette to get his points across.· For imagine a person crying out with pain alone in the desert: is he using a language?· It encourages creativity and allows pupils to use the language they have learnt in the context of stimulating and relevant projects.· One can see that the task of interpreting will share similarities in its processes nomatterwhich languages are being used.· But some investigators claim that they have taught them to use systems approaching human language in their versatility and complexity.
· Second, consider a project that uses a particular material.· Team leader Alan Smith said the nursery was committed to preserving the environment so it did not use peat materials or chemicals.· The language of continuum mechanics is increasingly being used in modern material science.· Established in 1912, Olympus has a long tradition of good design, using the finest materials and quality craftsmanship.· The students have been preparing for the assessments using open learning materials developed by Telford College.· Bunns helps by using materials with a similar specification to prepare all Mr Middleditch's fertilisers.· In the phases of large-scale antislavery mobilisation within Britain these two purposes were pursued simultaneously, though sometimes using different printed materials.· Officials admit that another 700 firms and institutions are using hazardous radioactive material.
· Cast using traditional methods, the bells have the names of faithful parishioners inscribed on them.· It would use new methods to teach traditional academic subjects and equip young people with technical skills.· Contributions are determined by qualified actuaries on the basis of periodic valuations using the projected unit method.· Earlier studies on the deposit indicated the copper ore can be treated using conventional methods.· The most comfortable and efficient way is to use the heel-toe method.· Standards may also vary somewhat in specificity and reproducibility according to the methods used.· Hubble was forced, therefore, to use indirect methods to measure the distances.· A.. Yes, it would, and a waterproofing company using this method usually guarantees its work.
· Some of it was mixed with other ingredients as a compost, some of it was used as pure money.· Gibbs calls it a blatant violation of the federal Fair Housing Act, which forbids using federal money for gentrification.· You could use the life assurance money to buy the place and stay on.· To be sure, not all strategists use money flow as a market gauge.· Moore also used the money to buy a home for his girlfriend and save himself from bankruptcy.· Why not use some of that money to get started with a low dam-and then switch horses in midstream?· It is always possible to do that, and to use elsewhere the money saved.· In practice, both parties use soft money to finance expensive media campaigns that promote their presidential candidates.
· But now there's kids who use the name and try to make up their own little Lo Life thing.· He used her name, though, once.· Celebration Remembering, and using people's names when talking to them pays dividends in personal relationships.· Most of them allowed me to use their names.· He used the name Abdullah Hayira.· She's also known to have used the names Sarah Collins and Sarah Cohen.
· Finally, hair was dried using the System Professional Curl Reactivator to enhance the curl and give extra body.· Even small firms that bank with small commercial banks can use such systems through established arrangements among the banks.· The reasons for using expert systems technology in aircraft maintenance are explained.· Technologysavvy farmers have begun using satellite positioning systems for precision planting and fertilizing.· The cost of using such established systems is high, typically about £1,500 per hour to hire.· Fig. 1 shows how an eight bit binary number can be bar coded using this system.· The existing system for doing so is there to be used, alternative systems are not.· Chapters 1 and 2 include descriptions of the various chromatographic, electrophoretic and spectroscopic techniques used in such systems.
· And that's 4 weeks cutting, shaping and piecing together in the workshop using techniques, both old fashioned and up to date.· You learn how to use relaxation techniques to relax your body and lower the pitch of the tone.· Today around 80% of the prints I produce now use this technique.· In this chapter, we will examine commonly used techniques for both short-term and long-term financial forecasting and budgeting.· An alternative is to search using the logarithmic technique.· The answer is that firms will want to use the most efficient technique because it yields the greatest profit.· This may be detected either by using pulse timing techniques or by very-long-baseline interferometry.· Inefficient Communist factories can be made to run at much higher output levels by simply using better management techniques.
· Other terms which are useful access points but which will not be used as index terms are listed in light type.· No one used the term textbook operation.· I use the term in the medical sense.· I will use the term stage where it appears in quotes, but beyond this section I will use the term level.· Exponential smoothing would again normally be used for short term forecasting, for periods up to six months ahead.· By the time Christopher began using the term, most of the killings had already taken place.· Information on spatial units, where relevant, are also included and may be used as search terms.· Walter Adey first used the term synthetic ecology.
· One involved using whole word shape to help determine segment positions and to allow for letter shape variations within words.· Weiser uses the example of words.· Results can be printed in any form using the word processor.· I use the word consciously, very much aware that it has been used in the past to demean adult women.· In brightness masking, a homogeneous bright field is used after the target word.· Compared to pidgins, a proper language can convey such complicated concepts using relatively few words.· Syntactic knowledge may be used to identify those word combinations that are grammatically acceptable.· In conversation we use the word to mean degrade, injure, or destroy.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► use/wield the big stick
- First and foremost, Borland have taken the Windows interface and used it to good advantage.
- Homeloans are one of the cheapest ways of borrowing money - find out how to use them to your advantage.
- If you would like to reassess your life and learn how to use stress to your advantage, come along.
- Parents may feel suspicious of these, or resentful, and will need help in using them to best advantage.
- Professionals need to be aware of such things and use them to good advantage.
- You'd really need to re-fret this guitar before you used it in anger.
- As far as I could tell, there was no earthly reason for Fanshawe to have chosen me for this job.
- It serves no earthly use to recapitulate the damage that they do, and which we know they do.
- Surely there's no earthly reason why you should not come with me to mass?
- There is no earthly reason why I shouldn't be able to move like these young athletes.
- There seemed to be no earthly reason for the Bureau to resist such status-but it did.
- Choose the push-fit kind for ease of use. 4.
- Layout clear for ease of use.
- New methods must be carefully evaluated according to the criteria of cost and ease of application.
- The old trade-off between ease of use and security must therefore be addressed.
- This was rejected on grounds of ease of use and familiarity with the 100 percent marking scale.
- When selecting any kind of baby product, the essential requirements to consider are comfort, safety and ease of use.
- A fat lot of good it did me!
- Frederick Bissett was a member of the Institute of Professional Scientists, and a fat lot of good that did him.
- Getting the pound down was what Labour governments did with metronomic regularity. Fat lot of good it did them.
- How can you look at a bunch of stars, so far away, and so incomprehensible, without using your imagination?
- Of course, Vincent explained to Theo, he could avoid the expense of models and use his imagination.
- This means using your imagination and buying some fairly unusual items.
- This would be a well-placed lesson to her in how to use her imagination a bit more.
- We also need to encourage children to use their imaginations in science lessons.
- When the information was slow in coming, the announcers were forced to use their imaginations to fill in the details.
- With Game Boys and other computers you don't need to use your imagination.
- I play by ear I use my loaf I suspect fair play.
- I tried every trick in the book to reform him.
- Victoria used every trick in the book to undermine Patsy in order to get the new job colleagues knew Patsy had earned.
WORD FAMILYnounusageusedisusemisusereuseusefulness ≠ uselessnessuseradjectivereusableused ≠ unuseddisuseduseful ≠ uselessusable ≠ unusableverbusemisusereuseadverbusefully ≠ uselessly
1use something [transitive] if you use a particular tool, method, service, ability etc, you do something with that tool, by means of that method etc, for a particular purpose: Can I use your phone? I’ll show you which room you can use. I always use the same shampoo. Use your imagination when planning meals. She booked the flight using a false name.easy/difficult/simple etc to use Drop-down menus make the program very easy to use.use something for (doing) something They were using animals for scientific experiments. Bob uses the van for picking up groceries.use something as something My parents use the house as a holiday home.use something to do something Most people now use their cars to go shopping.use force (=use violent methods)2amount of something [transitive] to take an amount of something from a supply of food, gas, money etc: We use about £40 worth of electricity a month. Standard washing machines use about 40 gallons of water.3treat somebody unfairly [transitive] to make someone do something for you in order to get something you want: Can’t you see that Howard is just using you? Gerald had been using her for his own ends.4an advantage [transitive] to take advantage of a situationuse something to do something She used her position as manager to get jobs for her friends.5could use something spoken if you say you could use something, you mean you would really like to have it: I could use a drink.6word [transitive] to say or write a particular word or phrase: We use the word ‘hardware’ to describe the actual machine. Don’t use bad language.7drugs [intransitive, transitive] to regularly take illegal drugs → used toTHESAURUSuse to use something for a particular purpose: · Do you mind if I use your phone?· They rebuilt the church using local stone.· We use a range of different methods.make use of something to use something that is available to you: · Staff can make use of a wide range of facilities.· She made full use of her contacts within the organization.employ formal to use a particular method or skill in order to achieve something: · The surgeons employed a new technique.· They employed every means at their disposal (=every available method).utilize formal to use something that is available to you, for a practical purpose: · The company has developed a new way to utilize solar energy.· a better way of utilizing the spaceexploit to use something as fully and effectively as possible, or to use something that will give you an advantage over your opponent: · The country’s natural resources have not yet been fully exploited.· He was quick to exploit any weakness in his opponent’s argument.apply to use something such as a method, idea, or system in a particular situation: · New technology is being applied to almost every industrial process.· I wanted to apply the things that I had learned on the course.draw on something to use information, knowledge, or experience that you have learned in the past: · He was able to draw on his own experience as a diplomat when he was writing the book.· Journalists draw on information from many different sources.resort to something to use violence, force, threats etc as a way of achieving something: · Extremists on both sides resort to violence.· We are prepared to resort to force if necessary.to use your power or your rightsexercise formal to use your rights, authority, influence etc: · Only 40% of the population exercised their right to vote.· Congress must decide whether to exercise its veto.wield /wiːld/ formal to use great power or influence: · The central banks wield enormous power.use something ↔ up phrasal verb to use all of something: She’s used up all the hot water.use1 verbuse2 noun
useuse2 /juːs/ ●●● S1 W1 noun WORD ORIGINuse2
Origin:
1200-1300 Old French us, from Latin usus; ➔ USE1EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- A pastry brush has a variety of uses in the kitchen.
- Herring, 55, is a former drug user who started the foundation in San Jose in 1980.
- It's main use is as a cleaning agent for metals.
- Robots have many different uses in modern industry.
- Technology developed for the space program have civilian uses as well.
- the use of animals in scientific experiments
- The land has been developed for tourism and other recreational uses.
- There has been a decline in the use of the subway system over recent years.
- There have been complaints about the use of excessive force by the police.
- And the lowest of low points was the use of five captains in seven Tests in 1988-89.
- He had no expectations or intentions that they would ever become constantly updated guidebooks for the use of millions.
- It appears that chronic caffeine use may cause up-regulation or down-regulation of other neurotransmitter systems as well.
- It leads to a crime: Some one is murdering claimants and putting their insurance money to private use.
- One in 12 people who took part in the survey was without the use of their machine for over a fortnight.
- The ramifications of the wrong use of imagination have to be fully realized before we can hope to control it.
Longman Language Activatorto use something for a purpose
· Do you mind if I use your phone?· Are we allowed to use a dictionary in the test?· They rebuilt the church using local stone.use something to do something · Use a calculator to check your answers.use something for doing something · We use the shed for storing our firewood.use something as something · We decided to use the second bedroom as a junk room.
if you do something with a tool, piece of equipment etc you use a tool, piece of equipment etc to do it: · Beat the egg with a fork.· Do you have anything I can open the bottle with?
to use something you have available for a particular purpose: · To build the shelter, they had to make use of whatever bits of wood or plastic they could find.make use of to do something: · The Romans made use of volcanic ash to produce concrete.make use of as: · Who were the first to make use of pigeons as messengers?
to use particular methods, knowledge, skills etc · Researchers often use questionnaires in their work.· I can't tell you what to do - you must use your own discretion.use something to do something · The nurse must use her communication skills to make the patient feel at ease.· These new techniques are already being used to produce special effects in films.
to use a method, skill, or piece of information that is available to you: · People asked her why she didn't make use of her musical talent and give singing lessons.· We might as well make good use of his expertise while he's here.
to start to use something, especially knowledge or a skill that has not been used before: · Your knowledge of computers can finally be put to use when the office buys a new system next month.· When governments acquire personal information about people they always try to put it to political use.put something to good use: · I finally feel that I can put all my education to good use in this job.
to use something such as a method, idea, or system in a particular situation, activity, or process: apply something to something: · New technology is being applied to almost every industrial process.· You can't apply policies designed for a big country like the United States to a small country like Cuba.apply something to do something: · There are several tests you can apply to find out how old a tree is.
to use your authority, influence etc effectively in order to achieve something: · Parents sometimes need to exercise their authority and say "no" to their children.· The Congress must decide whether to exercise its veto or not.· Many people are exercising their right to leave the state pension plan.
also utilise British formal to use something that is available to you: · Employers must utilize their workers more effectively if the region is to become an economic success.
to use information, knowledge, or experience that you have learned in the past, in order to do something more effectively: · As a teacher, she drew on her knowledge of her own children.· Journalists draw on both published and unofficial information from many different sources.· It was a challenge, but luckily we had the experience to draw on.
to use something as fully and effectively as possible in order to gain as much as possible from it: · Britain consistently fails to exploit the scientific discoveries made in its universities.· The country's natural resources have not yet been fully exploited.
to use a service that is available · How often do you use the library?· Now that we have a car we very rarely use the buses.· The hotel used to offer a baby-sitting service, but no one ever used it.
to use something that is available, especially in order to enjoy it or to get something that you want from it: · Not enough people are making use of the company's fitness centre.make good use of something: · Students are encouraged to make good use of all the computing facilities.
someone who uses something · Software should be designed to be as accessible as possible to users.road/phone/library etc user · Drunken drivers are a menace to themselves and other road users.· A new information service will soon be available to library users.end user (=the person who uses a product) · Computers are sold direct to end users as well as through dealers.
to use a situation in order to gain an advantage: use something to do something · She used her position as manager to get jobs for her friends.· The prisoners used the confusion caused by the fire to conceal their escape.use something for something · Charles was able to use his family connection for his own personal advancement.use something as something · Right-wing activists used people's fear of unemployment as a way of stirring up extremism.
to use a situation in order to gain as much advantage for yourself as possible, especially in a way that people disapprove of: · Opposition leaders were quick to exploit government embarrassment over the incident.exploit something to do something: · The country could exploit its position as a major oil producer to push up world oil prices.
to use a situation in order to gain an advantage for yourself, especially when that situation has already existed for some time: · I made use of my old contacts to get a job when I come back from Australia.· The Republicans were making use of their large majority in congress to block legislation on taxes.
to use an opportunity in order to do what you want or need to do: · Shoppers flocked to take advantage of a supermarket price war which cut the price of many goods.take advantage of to do something: · Many small investors are taking advantage of these attractive share offers to make a quick profit.
: play on somebody's fears/greed/sympathy/prejudices etc to use someone's fears, sympathy etc in order to gain an advantage for yourself: · A common sales tactic is to play on people's greed in order to make them buy more than they need.· Disguised as an electrician, he played on people's trust to trick them out of money.
to use a situation in order to gain an advantage and make yourself more successful or more effective: · Teachers can capitalize on young children's natural curiosity.fail to capitalize on something: · The generals failed to capitalize on the weaknesses and divisions in the enemy camp.capitalize on to do something: · Will the President capitalize on his immense popularity to exert strong leadership?
used for a particular purpose: be used as · Three extra rooms were used as classrooms when necessary.· An old Chianti bottle can be used as an attractive base for a table-lamp.be used for · The tanks are used for storing chemicals.be used to do something · Hypnosis is sometimes used to help people give up smoking.
to be intended to be used for a particular purpose: · "What are these buttons for?" "They're for controlling the heating system."· The phones are for internal communication only.
to be used for a particular purpose, especially a different purpose from its original one: · The old hospital in London Road now serves as a hostel for the homeless.· They had no bathroom, so a hole in the ground served as a toilet.
if something doubles as something else, it is used for that purpose as well as for its original purpose: · The village post-office doubles as a store.· Lingerie that doubles as clothing was very fashionable at the time.
what something can be used for a way in which something can be used: · Robots have many different uses in modern industry.· The land has been developed for tourism and other recreational uses.use of: · the use of animals in scientific experiments
a practical use of something, especially in science or industry: application of: · The possible applications of this invention are limitless.practical application: · scientific research and its practical applications
the purpose for which something is intended or the way people use it: · What is the function of literature in our society?function of: · The main function of the bars is to protect the driver's legs.
being used now if a room or machine is in use , it is being used by someone at the present time: · The meeting room is in use at the moment, so we'll have to go somewhere else.· All the photocopiers are in use. Could you come back later?
if seats, rooms, beds etc are occupied , they are being used and are therefore not available for anyone else to use: · All the chairs in the hall were occupied and at least 100 people had to stand.· We're having to turn patients away because all the beds are occupied.
if a seat in a train, theatre, restaurant etc is taken , it is not available because someone else is already sitting there or will be soon: · I'm sorry. This seat's taken.· There was nowhere to sit down in the hall. All the seats were taken.
British if a telephone line or a public toilet is engaged , someone else is using it: · Every time I try to call her, the line's engaged.· When the toilet is engaged, a red light shows above the door.
something that can be used something that is available can be used, for example because no one else is using it or it is not being used for anything else: · This program will take up a lot of your available disk space.every available: · Houses were being built on every available plot of land.whatever is available: · Use whatever seasonal vegetables are available.
use this about a chair, room, table etc that you can use because no-one else is using it: · The office next door is free if you need somewhere to work.· There's just one free table, over there in the corner.
something that is usable can be used, because it works well or because it has been made ready for use: · I know the bicycle's old, but it's still usable.· The refinery turns crude oil into usable products such as gas and tar.· The program has some nice features that make it more usable than most.
if a ticket, passport etc is valid , you can legally use it and it will be officially accepted.: · Do you have a valid driver's license?valid for: · Your ticket is valid for travel at any time of the day.valid for 10 years/two months/one week etc: · My passport is valid for 10 years.
a current official document has not yet reached the date after which it can no longer be used: · Acceptable forms of ID include a current passport or a birth certificate.
something that can be used in various ways something that is versatile can be used in many different ways: · Few foods are as versatile as cheese.· Because lavender oil is versatile and cheap, it is the most used in aromatherapy.· a versatile work table
a multi-purpose tool, machine, piece of equipment etc has been specially designed to have many different uses: · The emergency box contains a multi-purpose knife with screwdriver, scissors and a can-opener.· The new multi-purpose bank card gives access to your checking accounts and can also be used as a credit card.
an all-purpose product has been specially made for all the uses which that type of product has: · You can buy an all-purpose greetings card, with blank space, for you to write in your own message.· an all-purpose cleaning fluid
to use something again to use something more than once: · The supermarket encourages shoppers to reuse plastic bags.· The bottles are designed to be reused up to 20 times.
to put bottles, newspapers, cans etc through a process so that they can be used for making new glass products, paper etc: · New techniques for recycling plastics are being introduced.
to use something wrongly to use something wrongly, for a purpose that was not intended: · Measures must be taken to prevent confidential data from being misused.· He is accused of misusing public funds.
to use something for a bad purpose, especially to use a position of power or trust in order to get a personal advantage: · Local politicians abused their privileges to make themselves rich.· people who abuse the welfare system
words, remarks, ideas etc that have been used too much used too much and therefore no longer interesting or effective: · 'Creative' is an over-used word nowadays and is difficult to define.· His lecture turned out to be full of unoriginal material and over-used examples.
no longer interesting or exciting because of having been used too much: · Nicholson's routine was full of stale old jokes that we'd all heard before.· stale advertising images
a trite remark, idea etc has been used so often, that is seems boring or not sincere: · I know it might sound like a trite remark, but mothers usually know best.
if an excuse, an argument, someone's behaviour etc is wearing thin , it has been used so often that it no longer has any effect and is annoying: · Her rebellious teenager act is wearing thin. After all, she's nearly twenty-five.be wearing a bit/a little thin: · That joke is wearing a bit thin now, Stuart.
speech, writing or an idea that is clichéd is boring and without real meaning, because it is not original at all: · the clichéd openings of jokes like, "Have you heard the one about...?"· We work well together and we are really good friends. I know it sounds clichéd but it's the truth.
a hackneyed phrase, statement etc is boring and does not have much meaning because it has been used so often before: · Politicians tend to repeat the same hackneyed expressions over and over again.· All those slogans we used to chant sound so hackneyed now.
no longer being used especially British a disused factory, mine, railway etc is old and not used any more: · The drugs were found in a disused warehouse.· They have been given a grant to convert the disused church into luxury flats.
something that is unused has not yet been used or has not been used for a long time: · His old car sat in the garage, unused.· Batteries which are unused for long periods may have to be recharged.· Unused muscles can feel very sore when you start exercising.
if machines or factories are idle , they are not being used: · stand/sit/lie idle: · Most of the factory stood idle during the strike.· The new machines may sit idle for months until they have been paid for.· Why is millions of pounds worth of state-of-the-art equipment lying idle?
if something such as a machine or a plan gathers dust , it is not being used, especially when it could be useful: · Some of the new equipment is just gathering dust because the staff have not been trained to use it.· The plans lie gathering dust in some government office.
if something falls into disuse , people gradually stop using it because they no longer need or want it: · The canal system fell into disuse around the end of the nineteenth century.· When the old woman died, the house fell into disuse.
documents, tickets etc that can no longer be used a ticket, passport etc that is invalid cannot legally be used and it will not be officially accepted: · I'm afraid your ticket is invalid on this route.· This passport is invalid. Look at the expiry date.
a ticket, passport etc that is out of date cannot be used because the time during which it could be used has passed: · Are you aware that your passport is out of date?days/months/years out of date: · He tried to get on the train using a pass that was months out of date.
a document such as a contract that is null and void has no legal force and cannot be used for any purpose - used in legal contexts: · If the contract has not been signed by witnesses, it is considered null and void.
to use an amount of something to use an amount of something such as fuel, water, or food: · Who's used all the hot water?· We use about six pints of milk a week.· Planning is essential to make sure that resources are used effectively.· The average Westerner uses over 260 lbs of paper every year.
to use all of something, so that there is none left: use up something: · We should use up everything in the fridge before we go on vacation.· The country's oil reserves will soon be used up.use something up: · That is to say, once we have used our fossil fuels up, there won't be any more.
formal to use fuel, energy, water, and other natural products - use this especially to talk about the amount of fuel, energy etc used by people in general: · The US imports 45% of the oil that it consumes.· Industrialized countries consume natural resources in huge quantities.
to use a large amount of something in a short period: · Sometimes I go through a whole pack of cigarettes in a single afternoon.· We went through our food supplies at an alarming rate.
to use a lot of something, especially energy or fuel: · In the typical Western diet, all the energy in protein is burned up daily.burn up calories (=to use energy, for example by exercising): · Women tend to burn up calories less efficiently than men.
if something eats up money, gas, electricity etc, it uses it very quickly and in large amounts: · My rent eats up most of my money.· Non-energy saving light bulbs just eat up electricity.· The V8 is a very powerful engine, but it really eats up gas.
to use space or time, especially a lot of it: · Filing cabinets are very useful but they take up a lot of space.· I'll go now - I don't want to take up too much of your time.
formal: expend energy/time/effort etc to use energy, time etc when you are doing something, usually too much of it: · The final result hardly justifies the amount of time and energy that has been expended.expend something on/upon something: · We expend a lot of effort every day upon quite pointless activities.
the amount of something that is used the amount of fuel, energy etc that people use: water/fuel/energy etc consumption: · The government is urging people to reduce their water consumption.· Most people are aware of the need to reduce energy consumption.consumption of: · declining consumption of coal, oil and gas
someone that regularly uses amounts of something · Part of the increase in price will be passed on to private users.· one of the heaviest users of fossil fuels in the worlddrug user · There is a growing concern about the spread of AIDS among drug users.
someone who buys and uses products and services: · Only 25% of the price a consumer pays for vegetables goes to the farmer.consumer demand/behaviour/preferences etc: · Supermarkets are responding to increased consumer demand for organic products.· Improved consumer choice is one of the benefits of a free market.the consumer (=consumers generally): · Any increase in the cost of transporting goods will be passed on to the consumer.
amounts of something that have not been used something that is unused , has not been used, especially because it has not been needed: · Any unused wool can be returned to the shop.· Unused ammunition was dumped by US planes over Laos.· the safe disposal of unused stocks of pharmaceutical products
not used at all - use this when it is unusual or surprising that something has not been used: · The guests had disappeared and the food was untouched.leave something untouched: · We managed to leave our savings untouched when we bought the new car.
untapped supplies of something, especially a natural product, have not been used: · Untapped reserves of oil and minerals are thought to lie beneath the desert.· The firm recognized that the potential of their databases went largely untapped.untapped resources: · The plants of the Australian outback represent a vast untapped resource.
to use someone for your own advantage · Can't you see they're just using you?· She lets herself be used and then dropped by almost every man she meets.use somebody to do something · The drug smugglers used innocent travellers to carry the drugs through customs.use somebody for your own ends (=for your own advantage) · In his political life, he was not above using his family for his own ends.
to use someone for your own advantage, especially someone who is very generous or is easily persuaded or deceived: · Don't let them take advantage of you. Stand up for yourself.· Older brothers and sisters often take advantage of the younger children in a family.take advantage of somebody's good nature: · She's always willing to babysit, but I don't want to take advantage of her good nature.
to use someone in order to get what you want, especially to make money from their work: · Many employers are only too ready to exploit and underpay female part-time workers.· Peasants in remote areas of the country were being shamelessly exploited by wealthy land owners.
to make someone do exactly what you want them to do by influencing them in a clever and dishonest way: · He's so crazy about her he doesn't realize he's being manipulated.manipulate somebody into (doing) something: · He managed to manipulate her into lending his company £500,000.· He's such a nice man, I could imagine him getting manipulated into a situation like that.
informal to be able to persuade someone to do anything you want, especially someone who likes or loves you: · Young girls quickly learn how to wind Daddy around their little finger.have somebody wound/wrapped around your little finger: · It was obvious she had her mother wrapped around her little finger.
someone who is used by someone else someone who is used by a more powerful person or group as part of their plans for getting power, especially when the person being used does not realize this: · The soldiers were nothing more than pawns, regarded as dispensable by their officers.use somebody as a pawn: · The ambassador was being used as a pawn in the struggle between the two superpowers.
a ruler or government that seems to be independent but is really controlled by the government of another more powerful country: a puppet ruler/regime/government: · In 1290, Edward I set up a puppet government in the Scottish lowlands.puppet of: · During the 70s many Eastern European leaders were merely puppets of the Kremlin.
someone who is controlled and used unfairly by another person or group, especially to do something bad: tool of: · The king was merely a tool of the military regime.
someone who always does what another person or group wants: · Community leaders in the area are widely regarded as police stooges.stooge of: · He accused her of being a stooge of the Tory Party.
someone who is used and controlled by someone or something more powerful: instrument of: · Even small children were used as instruments of the regime, encouraged to spy on and report their parents.· The Committee on Ethics in Public Life was regarded by many as being a mere instrument of the government.
to borrow something if you borrow something from someone, they let you have it, and you agree to give it back to them later: · Can I borrow your pen for a second?· I wish Steve would buy himself a bike. He's always borrowing mine.borrow something from/off somebody: · She found the poem in a book she'd borrowed off Mrs Parsons.· I borrowed this dress from my sister.
also have the loan of British to have someone's permission to borrow something, especially something large or expensive such as a car or boat for a particular length of time: · Could we have the loan of your video camera this weekend?let somebody have the use of something: · Dad usually lets me have the use of his car when he's away on business.
if something is on loan from a library, art collection etc, it has been borrowed from it: · These pictures are on loan from the Paul Getty Collection.be out on loan (=not be available because it has been borrowed): · The librarian phoned to say the book you want is out on loan until next week.
to lend something to someone also loan especially American, spoken to let someone have money which they will pay back later, or let them use something that is yours, which they will give back to you later: lend/loan somebody something: · Can you lend me $20?· I wish I'd never lent him my car.· We loaned him ten bucks, but he never paid it back.lend/loan something to somebody: · Did you lend that book to Mike?· I lent my penknife to someone, but I can't remember who it was now.· The camera had been loaned to him by his cousin.
to let someone use something that belongs to you, for a short time, especially something such as a room, a house, or something large or expensive: · Some friends are letting us use their house while they are on vacation.· I asked whether she'd let me use her skis, and she said no.· Jim was going to let me have his car while he's away, but he's changed his mind.
something that is on loan , especially a library book or a painting, has been lent to a person or organization: · Is this your video or is it on loan?be on loan from: · The museum has an exhibition of paintings on loan from the Louvre.be on loan to: · It's a digital tape recorder, and it's on loan to me.be out on loan: · If you type in the title, the computer tells you how many copies the library has, and whether they're out on loan.
to lend someone some money: · I thought Dad might give me a loan to set me up in business again. · "I can't afford it, it's too expensive." "Do you want me to give you a loan?"· The bank wouldn't give me a loan because they said I had a bad credit rating.
to allow someone to use something large such as a house or car, especially for a fixed period of time: · Mohammed's giving me the use of his office until I can find a place of my own.· We persuaded the manager to give us free loan of the room and equipment for rehearsals.· She was given the use of the church hall to hold the event.
to lend a painting, work of art etc to a place where it can be shown to the public: · The gallery is currently exhibiting nine bronze statues loaned by the Victoria and Albert Museum.loan something to somebody: · The Museum of Modern Art has agreed to loan its entire Warhol collection to the exhibition.· According to the agreement, the Monet painting is to be retained in France and loaned to the Musée d'Orsay for a limited period.loaned from somebody: · Visitors will be able to examine original documents loaned from the British Museum.
when you do not need something to not need something or someone: · Do you want these text books? I don't need them any more.· Listen, people with disabilities do not need or want your pity.· According to Mahoney, the company did not need the cash, but was selling the division in an effort to streamline its operations.
use this about something which you do not need now, but which is available so that you can use it later or let someone else use it: · We have two spare tickets for the game - do you want to come?· Some couples will start married life in a spare room at the home of one set of parents -- usually the bride's.spare change: · It seemed like every time I turned around, some bum was hitting me up for spare change.
also can manage without to not need someone or something, because you can live normally or do what you need to do without them: · We should be able to manage without you for a few days.· "I can do without alcohol, but I can't do without the cigs," O'Hare wheezed.
to not need someone or something because you no longer use them or cannot think of a way of using them: · The fish spend their lives in darkness, and, having no use for eyes, are totally blind.· If society has no use for old people, is it any wonder that older people feel that their lives are without meaning?
formal to not need something: · Japan has its own space program and has no need of American technology.
formal to not need to use or do something that you usually use or do, because it is no longer necessary: · The company decided that it could dispense with the middle management level altogether.dispense with the formalities (=to not use formal or very polite behaviour, such as introducing people to each other): · We all know each other here, so I think we can dispense with the formalities.
what something is intended to be used for to be intended to be used for a particular purpose: · This machine is for cleaning the carpet.· What's this little button for?· These shoes are for running, and these are for sports such as basketball.
the purpose that a machine, tool, or piece of equipment is made for: · Each basket is designed to perform a specific function, from carrying corn to holding babies.function of: · Several instructors could not answer questions about the function of a particular switch.· The function of this gene is to block the uncontrolled division of cells; it therefore prevents the development of cancer.
a purpose that a machine, tool, plant etc can have: · It's main use is as a cleaning agent for metals.· Technology developed for the space program has civilian uses as well.
useful something that is useful makes it easier for you to do something: · See page 35 for a list of useful addresses.· The bank gave us a lot of useful advice about starting our own business.useful for (doing) something: · Scotch tape is very useful for making quick repairs.useful to: · information that may be useful to the enemyuseful in (doing) something: · This equipment will prove useful in testing premature babies who we suspect might have hearing problems.
formal to be useful: · If there are items in the newspaper files which could be of use, please take a copy of them.be of use to: · This book will be of use to all teachers.be some/any use: · Would these computer cleaners be any use to you?be of some use (=be fairly useful): · The information is slightly out-of-date, but it could still be of some use.
informal useful and easy to use: · This handy booklet tells you everything you need to know about getting connected to the Internet.· a handy chart for converting pounds into kiloshandy for (doing) something: · There's a special brush you can attach to the vacuum cleaner, which is handy for cleaning the stairs.
designed to be useful rather than attractive - use this especially about clothes and things you use in your house: · The company specializes in making practical footwear for the leisure sports market.· a type of floor covering that is simple, practical, and cheap
especially spoken to be suitable and useful for a particular job or purpose: · The table does take up a lot of space, but it's good for parties.· The big jars are good for storing pasta.
something that is helpful is useful because it helps you to do something: · I found these cassettes very helpful when I was learning Spanish.· The Student Cook Book provides basic helpful advice without sounding patronising.helpful in doing something: · The drug Prozac can be helpful in treating anxiety.it is helpful to do something: · I think it would be helpful to summarize what we agreed at the last meeting.
help, advice, knowledge etc that is valuable is very useful in helping you do something: · Joyce gave us a lot of valuable advice when we first started the company.valuable to: · Your knowledge and experience would be very valuable to us.it is valuable for somebody to do something: · While it is valuable for children to have individual responsibilities, it is also good to share jobs with them.valuable contribution: · Nuclear power makes a valuable contribution to the environment by curbing carbon dioxide emissions.
use this to say that something you do has a useful result: · I didn't bother looking at the instructions -- I didn't think it was worth it.be worth doing/trying etc (=used especially to suggest doing something): · It may be worth putting an advertisement in the local paper.
useful only in particular situations informal also come in useful British informal something that comes in handy is not always necessary, but is good to have because it can be very useful in particular situations: · My knowledge of Spanish came in handy when the car broke down near Madrid.· Sometimes there are problems that are too big for you to sort out on your own. That's when professional advice comes in useful.come in handy for (doing) something: · A hacksaw always comes in handy for cutting plastic pipes.come in handy as: · I suppose you thought I might come in useful as a translator.
informal use this to say that something is more useful than it seems: · This typewriter may be old, but it has its uses.· A knowledge of Latin can have its uses -- for instance, it can help you if you are learning Italian.
when something is not useful not at all useful: · The lifejackets turned out to be useless, because they didn't inflate properly.· a useless piece of information· She gave me a video, but of course it's useless without a player.completely/totally/utterly/absolutely useless: · Presumably, my files will be completely useless to whoever stole them.· It's time you traded the car in, before it becomes utterly useless.useless for (doing) something: · That's a nice watch, but it's useless for going underwater.· Jay's car was 20 years old, and useless for anything but a short journey to the local shops.
to be useless: · This map's no use -- it doesn't show the minor roads.· I'm freezing, and these heaters are no use either.be (of) no use to: · All this information is of no use to me now. It's too late.be of no use for doing something: · It's a great rifle -- but no use for shooting anything bigger than a rabbit.
British if you have no use for something, you do not want it or need it because you cannot use it for anything: · You may as well stop giving me these magazines -- I've got no use for them, and they just go straight in the bin.
informal to be useless: · These matches must have got wet -- they're no good at all.· Yeah, Clancy's Bar is a lively place, but it's no good if you just want a quiet drink with a friend.be no good for (doing) something: · These glasses are no good for champagne.· We found out that the vehicle was not much good for transporting heavy loads.be no good to: · You're no good to me if you can't drive a car.· Do you want these bike parts? They're no good to me.
to not be helpful in a particular situation: · Johnny had drawn me a map, but that was no help.· Seat belts are of no help at all in 30% of car accidents.· I looked at the departures screen, but that was no help because it was out of order.be (of) no help to: · It was the nicest thing she could think of to say, but it was really no help to me.· The follow-up seminar on women's issues was of no help to me, so I left early.be (of) no help in doing something: · In-store videos were of no help in identifying the criminals.
ways of telling someone that it is useless to do something especially spoken say this when you think that it is useless to do something because it will not achieve any useful purpose: · "Why don't you try and sort out your argument with Mike?" "There's no point -- he never listens."· Don't try working out what your exam results will be -- there's no point.there's no point (in) doing something: · There's no point kidding yourself, Karen -- he just isn't interested in you anymore.· It's frustrating, but there's no point in getting angry.what's the point of doing something? spoken: · You've already decided, so what's the point of discussing it?see no point/not see the point: · I didn't see the point of waiting around, so I left.· I figured I'd be in town a while, and I saw no point in making enemies when I didn't have to.
spoken use this when you think that someone should not spend their time doing something because it will definitely not achieve anything: be a waste of time doing something/wasting your time doing something: · You're wasting your time trying to start that car. The battery's completely flat.· I told you it would be a waste of time applying for a visa.· Why waste your time trying to convince him? He won't change his mind.
spoken say this when you think that something someone wants to do is not important enough to spend any time or money on: · Don't get angry. It's not worth it.· "You should have your car serviced." "It isn't worth it. I hardly ever drive now."
spoken say this when you think that someone will not be able to change a situation or persuade someone by doing something: · Worrying about the test won't do you any good.· I don't think this is getting us anywhere. Can we change the subject?· Flattery won't get you anywhere -- I'm not doing it.· All this speculation isn't doing anyone any good.
spoken also it's/there's no good British spoken say this when something you are doing is not working so it is pointless to continue: no use (in) doing something: · It's no use talking to me about interest rates and mortgages -- I find it all too confusing.· It's no use lying about it because I saw you do it!· There's no use in getting upset about it now.be no good doing something British: · It's no good sitting here feeling sorry for yourself.· There's no good punishing him hours later, because he won't remember what he's done wrong.
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COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYadjectives Gas appliances are usually cheaper to run than electric ones. For the employer, a part-time workforce means a cheap labour supply. The judge exercised his discretion rightly to admit the evidence. You should make good use of your time. the film’s heavy use of special effects an imaginative use of computer technology the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers cleaning products that are for industrial use only (=not to be used at home) It’s on the 3rd floor. Let’s use the lift. Unfortunately, the drug is of limited value in treating cancer. It’s easy enough to do if you just use your noddle (=think). Oh come on, use your nut! a young wife whose husband used her as a punching bag The computer is now set up and ready to use. Penn Station was in regular use (=people used it often) until the 1960s. The water is treated to make it safe to drink. Employers used scare tactics to force a return to work. the widespread use of chemicals in agriculture
(=when something is used in many places or situations, or among many people)· The widespread use of computers changed business completely.
· Doing the work in stages makes the most efficient use of resources.
· We need to consider whether there could be a more effective use of our time.
(=when something is used a lot)· The heavy use of pesticides in the area led to severe health problems.
· These drugs are not recommended for regular use.
· We want to encourage employees to make greater use of the sports facilities.
· Our department is responsible for establishing the guidelines for land use in the county.
· Drug use among teenage boys is on the increase.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES· This approach has been used for a number of major investigations.
(also run on batteries)· The clock runs on two 9-volt batteries.
· Making the best use of space is important in any room.
· It’s easy if you just use your brain.
(=travel by bus)· It’s easier to go on the bus than to drive.
· The children are taught to use calculators from a young age.
(=one that is not new)· The company locates suitable new and used cars for buyers.
· I don’t use a card if I can pay by cash.
· She knew when to use her charm in order to get what she wanted.
Gas appliances are usually cheaper to run than electric ones. For the employer, a part-time workforce means a cheap labour supply.· Interviewers often use a checklist to ensure that they’ve covered everything.
· Farmers use chemicals to kill insects that would destroy their crops.
· 'Time marches on', to use the old cliché.
· My bike isn’t very comfortable to ride.
· The trees were planted for commercial use.
· If something goes wrong, just use your common sense.
· Some of the kids were learning how to use a map and compass.
· Most people do jobs in which they have to use a computer.
· The survey showed only 15% of people had never used credit.
· What criteria do we use to decide whether one book is better than another?
· We advise all our students to use a good dictionary.
The judge exercised his discretion rightly to admit the evidence.· I think I took drugs to escape my problems.
(=taking drugs)· She is being treated for drug abuse.
· We must work towards the more efficient use of all natural resources.
· The system uses electricity to heat the water.
· Washing machines use a lot of energy.
· 30% of all our energy use is in the home.
· It's quicker to use the side entrance.
· Mr Gomez will now demonstrate how to use the equipment safely.
· He used several examples to illustrate his point.
· Farmers have been criticized for their excessive use of chemical fertilizers.
· We had exclusive use of the house while he was away.
· She never complained or used her illness as an excuse.
(=use every possible excuse)· He used every excuse in the book to avoid seeing the doctor.
· In the event of a fire, please use the emergency exit nearest to you.
(=written on medicines which must be put on your skin and not swallowed)
· Guests are welcome to use all the hotel’s facilities.
· We hope students make use of the new facilities.
· People need to learn how to use fuel more efficiently.
You should make good use of your time. the film’s heavy use of special effects· They were found guilty of the illegal use of confidential information.
· Musicians need to use their imagination as well as their technical skills.
an imaginative use of computer technology the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers cleaning products that are for industrial use only (=not to be used at home)· She wasn’t afraid to use her influence to get what she wanted.
· Many recipes in this book use Chinese ingredients.
· More and more companies are using the Internet to conduct their business.
· The software allows parents to control children’s Internet use.
· The children use their native language at home.
(=I want to hear something funny to cheer me up)· Tell me what she said - I could use a laugh.
· I used all my leave in the summertime.
· You can use the library before or after school.
It’s on the 3rd floor. Let’s use the lift. Unfortunately, the drug is of limited value in treating cancer.· Why do we not apply the same logic in the way we treat animals?
· Airlines may be exploiting legal loopholes in order to employ pilots trained outside the US.
· Can you use the copy machine?
· By using magic, he can order the ghost of any dead person to be his servant.
· She rarely uses make-up.
(=use any method or many methods)· He will use any means to get what he wants.
· The leaflet tells you how to use the medication correctly.
· To use her own metaphor, she is a caged bird who wants to fly free.
(also employ a method formal)· Which payment method do you use when travelling?
· Bend your knees and use your thigh muscles when picking up heavy objects.
(=tell people that you have a particular name)· She may be using a false name.
(=say their name when speaking to them)· I didn’t know him well enough to use his first name.
· I don't think he even knows how to use a needle!
It’s easy enough to do if you just use your noddle (=think). Oh come on, use your nut! (=do something you have a chance to do)· Several employees took the opportunity to retire early.
· He bought a computer for his personal use.
· Try to cut your motoring costs and use less petrol.
· Do you mind if I use your phone?
· She can now use her position to do some good.
(also exercise (your) power formal)· The party will use all its power and influence to raise the issue in the Senate.· Questions have been asked about the way the police exercised their power.
· Knowledge without understanding is of little practical use.
· Latin America was afraid that the invasion of Panama would be used as a precedent.
· The documentation explains how to use the program.
a young wife whose husband used her as a punching bag The computer is now set up and ready to use. Penn Station was in regular use (=people used it often) until the 1960s.· Modern products use fewer natural resources.
(also make use of resources)· We must use our resources efficiently.
The water is treated to make it safe to drink. Employers used scare tactics to force a return to work.· The machine is very simple to use.
· I am sure you can use your communication skills to get your message across.
· Several companies have already begun using the software.
(also employ a strategy formal)· What strategies do you use to deal with these problems?
· He used all his strength to heave the door shut.
· The diver had nearly used up his supply of oxygen.
· They use a system of grades to evaluate each hospital’s performance.· We operate a booking system.
· We used various tactics to get their support.
· They have been using their artistic talents to brighten up the school.
(also employ a technique formal)· By using commercial shipbuilding techniques, the Navy hoped to reduce costs.
· May I use your telephone?
· a term used by psychiatrists
· They were willing to resort to violence to achieve their ends.
· A police spokesman said that the use of violence, while regrettable, was necessary.
· They claim the government used chemical weapons against them.
the widespread use of chemicals in agriculture· Be very careful how you use the word ‘natural’.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· During these play bouts the kitten's imagination is put to full use.· He says that they can make full use of the science labs and workshops.· The vitamin B complex enables the body to make full use of the food consumed.· This may be because they are not working full-time or are not doing jobs which make full use of their abilities.· She pulled herself back together again, and hauled herself out of the cubicle to make full use of the facilities.· Not to make full use of the subject expertise of the university lecturing and research staff for selection is obviously absurd.· As for capital gains tax, the main waste is due to the failure of married couples to make full use of their allowances.· Encouraging full use of the potential of the County's rail links with Channel Tunnel rail terminals.
· They say that machinery works better when in use.· Take all the criticism you can get and make the best possible use of it.· The author of this disk has put the editor to good use designing a challenging collection of maze like levels.· The drive might be put to better use doing data-only backups or for storing large graphics files.· And when it comes there is not enough cash to make the best use of it.· Domestic robots will also make good use of the home network to stay in touch with each other.· She Dreamed up a new hobby for the Mayor, collecting antique paperweights, and made good use of them.· To make the best use of space, use sliding doors.
· Carter made greater use of it than most but Reagan went even further.· Many people want jobs that allow them to make greater use of their education and that provide intrinsic work satisfaction.· Unfortunately, it doesn't make the greatest use of the Windows interface.· The relative complexity of the Visual Effects required a far greater use of filmed inserts.· Throw-over bedspreads are another great use for the thicker woven lengths.· Also, manufacturers have upgraded the specification of diesel cars as well as making greater use of turbo-chargers to improve performance.· Second, women of all socio-economic groups make greater use of general practitioners than men, again relative to need.· Surprisingly the greatest use had been among children in reasonably affluent neighbourhoods.
· Therapeutic input makes heavy use of group work, though individual therapy is also possible.· In response to heavy recreational use, the Forest Service issued strict new regulations a year ago.· WordPerfect is a good example of a word-processor that makes heavy use of these key combinations.· Despite heavy use, it is one of the most fragmented national forests in the country.· He makes heavy use of what may be called the Argument from Personal Incredulity.· When the guard arrived, they and the police made heavy use of firearms.· Many people seem simply to grow out of heavy drug use, rather as many young drinkers mature out of heavy drinking.
· Argyll and the Islands Enterprise executives are anxious to purchase the 44-acre site at Sandbank, near Dunoon, for industrial use.· The industrial use of oil, 3. 4in, constitutes an even more tempting alternative fuels target.· The village was first mentioned in records of 1707 developing as a result of the increased industrial use of the river.· The mill is still in industrial use and not open to the public.· The other 20 percent goes for industrial uses and coins.· Then Inchbrook was clearly put back to some industrial use as it was damaged by fire in August 1926.· The first industrial use of power on the Moon will probably be for the manufacture of propellants and life-support materials.
· If reserved for his personal use, it might put him at a certain advantage over his employer.· It also refused to limit the use of county vehicles for personal use in the charter.· Cattle could be stolen for the personal use of the thieves, often as beef.· Under the act, teachers can make notes about students for their own personal use.· Residents pay for their care according to their means and all will have at least a minimum amount of money for personal use.· You decide which questions you are going to ask and you evaluate them for future personal use.· There are also handouts, which may be photocopied for personal use.· Reprinting items retrieved from the archives are for personal use only.
· Tolerance means that with regular use, you need to increase the dose to achieve the same effect.· Each user will be required to buy an annual pass and pay regular use fees.· But Smith's name is unfamiliar even to many of the professional mathematicians who make regular use of the ideas he introduced.· All her bicycle needed was some regular use.· His Ed Blackwell playing activity was restricted through kidney disease, which required regular use of a dialysis machine far many years.· She told me that she considered it a better one, but that it was too old to be in regular use.· Several recent studies have indicated that regular aspirin use may reduce the risk of colon cancer.
· These search systems must still be suitable for casual use by inept or inexperienced users.· The former, implemented on dense chips, would have a high radiation immunity and would be suitable for use in space.· Estate agents' advertisements habitually claim that country houses are suitable for every use from country clubs to prestige headquarters.· However, it is not suitable for use with many enzyme procedures.· They are suitable for general use and especially for music recording.· For these reasons hide glue or Scotch glue is only suitable for use indoors.· But this does not mean that the carbon-zinc battery would be suitable for use in your detector.· If the pan is not suitable for use in the oven, transfer the meat to a casserole dish.
· It is in widespread use, and is supported by other cad systems.· Kaczynski was disgusted with the widespread drug use and liberal politics at UC-Berkeley, a law enforcement source said.· But how can we best explain the widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs in cycling?· Whether the technology ever will gain widespread use is uncertain.· A further, recent complexity has been added by the widespread use of video recorders.· The continuously falling price and increasing power of desk-top computers has led to their widespread availability and use.· The main obstacle to the widespread use of abatement techniques is the significant and variable national costs which are incurred.· One significant advantage of electric vehicles is that their widespread use would make far better use of off-peak electricity.
NOUN· There is a growing range of agencies which can provide help and advice on changing their pattern of drug use.· There is a growing recognition of the debilitating effects of teen drug use, teen pregnancy and violence.· Stubbornness: Individual willpower, the absolute determination to control drinking or drug use, is exactly what keeps the disease going.· The results were predictable: Drug use dropped dramatically.· We also know that socio-economic variables play a potentially vital role in the patterns of drug use.· Reported drug use of any type among high school seniors jumped 44 percent from 1992 to 1995.· All of their lives are reduced to their drug use.· Dole also hammered at the increase in youthful drug use in the last four years.
· If heroin use proves relatively harmless to all concerned then we should advocate legal reform and controlled availability.· Nineteen had used only one drug prior to heroin use, principally cannabis, the rest using a variety of drug combinations.· Prior to his imprisonment, his burgling and dealing activities financed their heroin use.· Consequently, it was forecast that the prevalence of heroin use might also begin to fall from 1988-9.· Evidence of widespread heroin use in the community built up rapidly during 1983-4.· Will the prevalence of heroin use increase, decline or become stable?· We mentioned in the Introduction that earlier sociological studies of deviant behaviour provide notes of caution about investigating phenomena like heroin use.
· The sale of state firms would be start with the transport, energy, land use and housing sectors, Aznar said.· Changes in land use and land productivity over the period area analysed.· It has also resulted in isolated, small areas of land not being fully utilised for agriculture or any other land use.· However, it has also to be pointed out that many intrusive land uses have occurred in green belts.· Jacob's strictures served as a reminder that neat and tidy land use arrangements may have been over-emphasized.· Reform land use planning so that the protection of the natural environment becomes a major feature of the planning system.· One barrier to the regulation of rural land use change is the absence of planning controls over farming and forestry.
· And yet our eventual objective must be to prepare learners to cope with the natural conditions of language use.· Slang is part of casual, informal styles of language use.· Nor was I surprised that I often had to show the students how language use might be made meaningful.· But settling questions of language use is the job of pragmatics-the study of the use of language in context.· Recent ideas about language use and learning insist on the primacy of communicative activities in the classroom.· In chapters 6 and 7 I would like to propose a characterization of grammar and language use which shows their interdependence.· In his work on social class and linguistic styles, Basil Bernstein has identified two different modes of language use.· They are based on observations of everyday experience and language use.
VERB· To overcome these difficulties, kings made increasing use of money.· Soy protein products have increased in use as extenders.· All is drawn in variously diluted glaze, and there is increasing use of washes of colour.· Advances in portable computers are an important factor that is likely to lead to increased use of mobile data communication.· Faced with a loss of power in 1988, party officials made increasing use of what remained for their own personal gain.· For the hopeful, increased use of leave signals social progress, greater sharing by fathers.· This is mostly due to an increased use of photographs and larger headlines to accompany text.· It was at this moment of increasing daily use that the most profound lifestyle changes were perceived by the interviewees.
· It involves the use of an objection as a stimulus to buy.· Public-Key Cryptography A more powerful form of cryptography involves the use of public keys.· This involves an intentional use or threat of violence by one person against another.· Clients still have to pay for their vacations, which usually involve the use of unused timeshare units.· The research involves the use of primary source materials in national and local archives.· During this period, Guthrie had allegedly been pulling scams involving the use of fake receipts to return stolen property to KMarts.· Herbalism: a holistic treatment involving the use of herbal remedies specifically chosen and blended for different conditions.· Many searches involve the use of more than one source, and all searches require that the most appropriate source be chosen.
· Funds obtained by this method are not limited in their use to balance of payments difficulties.· The doctors in managed-care systems often have financial incentives to limit patients' use of laboratory tests, specialists and other services.· This, coupled with the fact that the 3M machine offers fewer colours in any case, would limit its use.· It also refused to limit the use of county vehicles for personal use in the charter.· A restrictive clause in the title deed limited the land use to mission purposes.· Such invasive treatment has limited use for these patients, and more confirmation of its efficacy is needed.· The more open back bends have limited use, but this could be improved.· But the report was limited to comparing use of six preventive services.
· And if you have any special skills or knowledge that can be made use of they would be more than welcome.· Can it be that they are there for a reason, that the reader makes use of both?· Another tundra strategy is to make use of the sea.· Clearly, the government policies required to make the use of education and health services equitable are a daunting package.· This may be because they are not working full-time or are not doing jobs which make full use of their abilities.· Each ward should have a planned programme which makes full use of its learning opportunities.· Shah made use of both pieces of legislation to great effect.· Similarly, there will be a variant of the 68000 family translator tweaked to make use of the Macintosh file system.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► something/somebody has their usesPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► use/wield the big stick
- But a sleek sailing boat that spends all its time in harbour is no use to anyone.
- But all this was of no use to Bowman.
- But there was no use brooding on it: the full story would never be known now.
- But these models are no use to Clinton.
- It is of no use to put forward a partial plan for the revitalization of our education.
- It was of no use if they received the sacrament of Matrimony and did not live as Christians.
- Photographic film cameras on satellites would be of no use until the means of recovering film capsules from orbit could be developed.
- She knew that it was no use offering to make it: it would only make Bella angry.
- It's no use complaining - you just need to take the test again later.
- But it's no use running away from it.
- He says it's no use having a ban if it can't be enforced.
- I've telephoned everyone I can think of, but it's no use.
- I can buy the best legal brains in the business, so it's no use your fighting.
- I said to him, Listen, George, it's no use living in the past.
- No, it's no use protesting!
- On the open road, it's no use pretending that the Bentley handles with the agility of a Porsche.
- Oh, it's no use! I can't fix it.
- And what's the use of being on observation when you can't observe anything?
- My granda is dying there and what's the use?
- You're a bloody animal, Cullam, without an animal's ... Oh! what's the use?
- All of the washing machines are in use.
- All the photocopiers are in use. Could you come back later?
- The meeting room is in use at the moment, so we'll have to go somewhere else.
- A number of other variations are in use.
- But how were they to know the code they were writing in 1975 would still be in use 25 years later?
- Cut-Through Lane was in use as a tank testing ground by the Ordnance Depot at Chilwell and everything was on wartime footing.
- Once a suitable disinfectant is in use resistance will not occur if it is used correctly.
- The actual strength of each type very rarely reflected this establishment - at one stage no less than forty B.2s were in use!
- The mine was in use for 60 years, but played out and shut down in 1943.
- They want to know whether the new umbrella qualification could be in use as early as 2001.
- With the advent of the new national curriculum, these materials should be in use in every science classroom.
- The board room is for the use of company executives only.
- Chemistry in Britain thanks Tripos for the use of the illustration on the cover of this Supplement.
- Here, too, to qualify for reimbursements for the use of listed property four elements must be substantiated: 1.
- I could find no pattern for the use of verse and prose in Los amantes de Teruel.
- In any case, I returned to my notes, hereto appended for the use of the reader.
- It is now demanding damages for the use of seeds that they swear they never sowed.
- We are left with a picture of general support for the use of signing.
- We believe that these results have important consequences for the use of d 3C A as a probe for studying DNA-protein interactions.
- Any diagnostic system that is quicker and cheaper than the present system would be of use.
- As for myself, I was feeling a mounting confidence in my capabilities - I was of use.
- Every instrument that could possibly be of use to the mission found its way on board.
- However, your suggestion will be kept on file and may be of use should circumstances change in the future.
- I wanted to be of use to some one.
- Let me see if I can fashion a parable that will be of use to a politician.
- They all wanted to be of use, to serve!
- Tanning beds came into use around 1979.
- Doors were fitted and it came into use on 7 September.
- Doubtless, this instability will continue as more sophisticated techniques of diagnosis come into use by the medical profession.
- It came into use around the turn of the century.
- The new register comes into use the following February.
- The scourge of firedamp explosions caused by the miners' lights should have dwindled to nothing after the lamp came into use.
- There were many different drugs coming into use.
- Various kinds of minuscule came into use, such as the humanistic and the Carolingian.
- The guns are out of use and that is what matters.
- My company has no use for workers who are not motivated.
- Am I right in assuming that you have no use for it?
- For example, the business may be sold to some one else who decides they have no use for the present management.
- I have no use for second-hand books and unfashionable clothes and bits of ornament.
- It's a shame that teachers don't make use of the new computer lab.
- At this point we make use of the homogeneity and isotropy of the space.
- For though neither empiricism nor idealism are satisfactory in themselves, Ishmael does make use of both.
- I also had a suspicious, ungenerous feeling about the reluctance of the white teachers to make use of more realistic books.
- Often we use a contractor to make use of the most-up-to-date machinery around.
- One has to think twice before one orders a cup of coffee, in case one's making use of one's position.
- Some other mammals do make use of bedding, it's true.
- We must make use of microelectronic technology.
- With tight defence budgets, Trinidad is trying to change the law to make use of seized assets a priority.
- I'd like a job where I could put my degree in languages to good use.
- But I am putting it to use.
- How do you put it to use in daily practice?
- It does not seem regressive to put it to use in the service of gay survival as well.
- Many large and medium size companies, government departments and Local authorities are putting Dataease to use somewhere within their organisations.
- Much of ecology is about this process: finding energy; putting it to use.
- The time has come to put your skills to use by developing a more useful and complex object orientated program.
- The trouble is we never stop long enough to put them to good use.
- Throughout the 1980s, researchers and company executives struggled with how to put Al to use.
- And if Angel did not want to become a priest, what was the use of sending him to study at Cambridge?
- Indeed the Bains Report advocated the use of programme teams which cut across the traditional departmental structure of local government.
- It is usually a matter of variations in the use of material, usually of the series itself.
- One of the greatest hazards for today's free-roaming feline is the use of rodent poisons.
- Other seminars concentrated on media skills such as poster-making, writing, drama, audio cassette production and the use of newsletters.
- The descriptions above have been based on estimating and planning the use of time on the project.
- The rules do not prevent the use of extrinsic evidence in interpreting genuine ambiguities in the words of the contract.
- First and foremost, Borland have taken the Windows interface and used it to good advantage.
- Homeloans are one of the cheapest ways of borrowing money - find out how to use them to your advantage.
- If you would like to reassess your life and learn how to use stress to your advantage, come along.
- Parents may feel suspicious of these, or resentful, and will need help in using them to best advantage.
- Professionals need to be aware of such things and use them to good advantage.
- You'd really need to re-fret this guitar before you used it in anger.
- As far as I could tell, there was no earthly reason for Fanshawe to have chosen me for this job.
- It serves no earthly use to recapitulate the damage that they do, and which we know they do.
- Surely there's no earthly reason why you should not come with me to mass?
- There is no earthly reason why I shouldn't be able to move like these young athletes.
- There seemed to be no earthly reason for the Bureau to resist such status-but it did.
- Choose the push-fit kind for ease of use. 4.
- Layout clear for ease of use.
- New methods must be carefully evaluated according to the criteria of cost and ease of application.
- The old trade-off between ease of use and security must therefore be addressed.
- This was rejected on grounds of ease of use and familiarity with the 100 percent marking scale.
- When selecting any kind of baby product, the essential requirements to consider are comfort, safety and ease of use.
- A fat lot of good it did me!
- Frederick Bissett was a member of the Institute of Professional Scientists, and a fat lot of good that did him.
- Getting the pound down was what Labour governments did with metronomic regularity. Fat lot of good it did them.
- How can you look at a bunch of stars, so far away, and so incomprehensible, without using your imagination?
- Of course, Vincent explained to Theo, he could avoid the expense of models and use his imagination.
- This means using your imagination and buying some fairly unusual items.
- This would be a well-placed lesson to her in how to use her imagination a bit more.
- We also need to encourage children to use their imaginations in science lessons.
- When the information was slow in coming, the announcers were forced to use their imaginations to fill in the details.
- With Game Boys and other computers you don't need to use your imagination.
- I play by ear I use my loaf I suspect fair play.
- I tried every trick in the book to reform him.
- Victoria used every trick in the book to undermine Patsy in order to get the new job colleagues knew Patsy had earned.
WORD FAMILYnounusageusedisusemisusereuseusefulness ≠ uselessnessuseradjectivereusableused ≠ unuseddisuseduseful ≠ uselessusable ≠ unusableverbusemisusereuseadverbusefully ≠ uselessly
1[singular, uncountable] the action or fact of using something: an exit for use in emergenciesuse of the increasing use of computers in education2[countable] a purpose for which something can be used: Robots have many different uses in modern industry.have/find a use for something The cupboard is full of things I can never find a use for.3make use of something to use something that is available in order to achieve something or get an advantage for yourself: We will make use of her vast experience. There is an answering machine for you to make use of. Try to make good use of your time.4put something to (good) use to use something such as knowledge or skills for a particular purpose: a job where her management skills can be put to good use5the use of something the ability or right to use something: Joe’s given me the use of his office till he gets back. He lost the use of both legs as a result of the accident.6be (of) no use (to somebody) to be completely useless: You needed blankets to keep warm because the heating was no use. Take this – it’s of no use to me anymore.7it’s no use doing something spoken used to tell someone not to do something because it will have no effect: It’s no use complaining.8it’s no use! spoken used to say that you are going to stop doing something because you do not think it will be successful: Oh, it’s no use! I can’t fix it.9what’s the use (of something) spoken used to say that something seems to be a waste of time: What’s the use of decorating the house if we are going to sell it?10be in use a machine, place etc that is in use is being used: Electric vehicles built in 1920 were still in use in the 1950s.11for the use of somebody provided for a particular person or group of people to use: a bar for the use of the guests12be of use (to somebody/something) to be useful: He was charged with having information likely to be of use to terrorists.13come into use (also bring something into use) to start being used, or to start using something: Computers first came into use in the early 1950s.14go/be out of use a machine, place etc that goes out of use or is out of use is not being used: Some 4,000 railway stations have gone out of use since the 1960s.15have no use for somebody/something to have no respect for someone or something: She has no use for people who are always complaining.16something/somebody has their uses spoken used, often humorously, to say that something or someone can sometimes be useful, even though it may not seem that way: Being stubborn can have its uses.17[countable] one of the meanings of a word, or the way that a particular word is usedCOLLOCATIONSadjectiveswidespread/extensive use (=when something is used in many places or situations, or among many people)· The widespread use of computers changed business completely.efficient use· Doing the work in stages makes the most efficient use of resources.effective use· We need to consider whether there could be a more effective use of our time.heavy/frequent use (=when something is used a lot)· The heavy use of pesticides in the area led to severe health problems.regular use· These drugs are not recommended for regular use.greater use· We want to encourage employees to make greater use of the sports facilities.land use· Our department is responsible for establishing the guidelines for land use in the county.drug/alcohol use· Drug use among teenage boys is on the increase.