use vs. utilize
use vs. utilize
(OP)
Our department is engaged in a debate over use vs utilize. Our editor is arguing that "utilize" should not be our word of choice, while another employee responded:
I am inclined to use the word “utilize” whenever I am referring to a tool, or for emphasis. This term is generally deemed popular in this automotive technical culture, from what I can gather, through its use in automotive training where a tool or other equipment is often used for more than one purpose.
Any thoughts on this issue?
Thanks!
Nikki Larsen
Learning Designer
Universal Technical Institute
"Accelerate your Future"
www.uticorp.com
I am inclined to use the word “utilize” whenever I am referring to a tool, or for emphasis. This term is generally deemed popular in this automotive technical culture, from what I can gather, through its use in automotive training where a tool or other equipment is often used for more than one purpose.
Any thoughts on this issue?
Thanks!
Nikki Larsen
Learning Designer
Universal Technical Institute
"Accelerate your Future"
www.uticorp.com





RE: use vs. utilize
http://
Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)
RE: use vs. utilize
If it is used as a substitute for the simple word "use" (and oh brother is it ever!), then it should be avoided. What it properly means is "find a practical use for something" with the specific implication that the thing wouldn't have otherwise been used. So you can say
"We intend to utilize the scrap metal created by this new process."
But you should avoid saying
"A drill press utilizes a drill bit to make holes."
Don
Kansas City
RE: use vs. utilize
RE: use vs. utilize
I can't get too excited about "generally" - it's one of those words which has almost completely reversed its meaning in popular use over the last few decades.
"is deemed" carries a sense of "is to be accepted without further discussion to", although it recently seems to have started seeing use as an unnecessarily pretentious substitute for "seems to".
In this particular context, neither adds anything useful; the sentence is much clearer with both words left out.
This sounds exactly like the sort of person who would think it was clever to write "utilize".
A.
RE: use vs. utilize
I'd respond with:
Don't you mean "I am inclined to utilize the word “utilize” whenever I am referring to a tool, or for emphasis. This term is generally deemed popular in this automotive technical culture, from what I can gather, through its utilization in automotive training where a tool or other equipment is often utilized for more than one purpose."
See if that makes your case. At the very least, you should score some points with your editor.......
RE: use vs. utilize
"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
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RE: use vs. utilize
Incidentally what is a 'Learning Designer'?
corus
RE: use vs. utilize
RE: use vs. utilize
In general, any word with one syllable should be replaced by an uglier multi-syllable synonym whenever possible.
RE: use vs. utilize
I don't quite understand the comments by eromlignod. Just because you can say the same thing with a smaller word doesn't mean that you have to... it's up to the writer. If someone made the comment to me that I should change the word "utilize XYZ tool" to "use XYZ tool" just because they preferred using smaller words, I would tell them to go pound sand.
I use whatever word sounds right to me. According to Merriam Webster, the verb "utilize" has one meaning which is equivalent to one of the 7 meanings of the word "use". One might argue that "utilize" is therefore more specific and less likely to be misinterpretted. I'm not going to go there.., just use whatever word sounds right.
http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary
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Main Entry: use
Pronunciation: 'yüz
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): used /'yüzd, in the phrase "used to" usually 'yüs(t)/; us·ing /'yü-zi[ng]/
transitive verb
1 archaic : ACCUSTOM, HABITUATE
2 : to put into action or service : avail oneself of : EMPLOY
3 : to consume or take (as liquor or drugs) regularly
4 : to carry out a purpose or action by means of : UTILIZE; also : MANIPULATE 2b <used him selfishly>
5 : to expend or consume by putting to use -- often used with up
6 : to behave toward : act with regard to : TREAT <used the prisoners cruelly>
7 : STAND 1d <the house could use a coat of paint>
intransitive verb
1 -- used in the past with to to indicate a former fact or state <we used to go more often> <didn't use to smoke>
2 : to take illicit drugs regularly
synonyms USE, EMPLOY, UTILIZE mean to put into service especially to attain an end. USE implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end <willing to use any means to achieve her ends>. EMPLOY suggests the use of a person or thing that is available but idle, inactive, or disengaged <looking for better ways to employ their skills>. UTILIZE may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something <an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter>.
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Main Entry: uti·lize
Pronunciation: 'yü-t&-"lIz
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): -lized; -liz·ing
Etymology: French utiliser, from utile
: to make use of : turn to practical use or account <I'm a great person for utilizing waste power -- Robert Frost>
synonym see USE
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RE: use vs. utilize
Who's she? I take my English cues from the OED. No other source!
RE: use vs. utilize
How many definitions does OED have for the verbs "use" and "utilize"?
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RE: use vs. utilize
RE: use vs. utilize
RE: use vs. utilize
JMW
www.ViscoAnalyser.com
RE: use vs. utilize
Good one.
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RE: use vs. utilize
Used to use "utilize" too,
When in a forum she found
Diverse opinions abound.
Using "use" used to amuse.
RE: use vs. utilize
RE: use vs. utilize
The Randomhouse example is a good case in point.
Naresuan University
Phitsanulok
Thailand
RE: use vs. utilize
is it right?
but I can not say
I use the new application into the workplace.
Forever Young
RE: use vs. utilize
use is to use somthing.
is that right?
Forever Young
RE: use vs. utilize
Your second post is pretty close, if not right on. (My own sense is fuzzy.) To me, "utilize" means something along the lines of "make effective use of".
Hg
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RE: use vs. utilize
Forever Young