Verb + Noun A1 — Beginner /juːz/

Use — Definition, Examples & Pronunciation

To employ something for a purpose — one of the most essential and versatile words in the English language.

Quick Definition

Use (verb) means to employ something for a purpose: "use a pen". As a noun (/juːs/), use means the act or purpose of using: "the use of technology". Note the different final sounds: verb /juːz/, noun /juːs/.

What Does Use Mean?

Use comes from Old French user and Latin usus (act of using). It is one of the oldest and most productive words in English — it appears in hundreds of compounds and phrases. As a verb, its meaning is always about employing or putting something to work for a purpose. As a noun, it refers to that activity or its purpose.

Importantly, use is a false friend pronunciation trap: the verb ends in /z/ (voiced), while the noun ends in /s/ (unvoiced). This is similar to the pairs house/house, close/close, and advice/advise. Paying attention to this difference will improve your spoken accuracy at any level.

Key phrases and collocations: make use of, in use, out of use, used to (past habit), be used to (be accustomed to), it's no use + -ing, and what's the use of. These are all essential patterns for B1 and above.

Word in Use

SentenceUsage note
Can I use your pen for a moment?use (verb /juːz/) = employ for a purpose
The use of smartphones in class is a common issue.use (noun /juːs/) = the act of using
Make use of every opportunity to speak English.make use of = take advantage of

Common Mistakes

Watch Out For

I am used to wake up early. (wrong form after 'used to' for habit)

I am used to waking up early. (use -ing form after 'be used to')

It's no use to complain. (wrong form after 'it's no use')

It's no use complaining. (use -ing form after 'it's no use')

Related Words

apply method practice employ utilise purpose

Practise This Word

Flash Cards Wordsearch Quiz

Frequently Asked Questions about “use”

What does use mean in English?
Use as a verb means to employ something for a purpose: 'She used a dictionary to check the spelling.' As a noun it means the act of using: 'The use of technology in classrooms is increasing.' It can also mean the purpose of something: 'What is the use of this tool?' The two forms share the same spelling but have slightly different pronunciations.
What is the pronunciation difference between use (verb) and use (noun)?
The verb use is pronounced /juːz/ — with a /z/ sound at the end: 'Please use a pencil.' The noun use is pronounced /juːs/ — with an /s/ sound: 'What is the use of this button?' This verb/noun pronunciation split (voiced vs unvoiced final consonant) is a notable feature of English that learners should practise.
How do you use use in a sentence?
As a verb: 'I use public transport every day.' As a noun: 'The use of social media has increased significantly.' Important phrases include: 'make use of' (to use something available), 'in use' (being used currently), 'out of use' (no longer used), and 'of no use' (useless). These phrases are all essential at B1 level.
What is the CEFR level of use?
Use is an A1 (Beginner) word — it appears on the very first page of any English learning resource. Both as a verb ('use a pen') and as a noun ('the use of computers'), it is fundamental to everyday communication. Mastering use early gives learners access to countless common phrases and patterns.
What are synonyms for use?
As a verb: employ (formal), utilise (formal, often overused), apply (for skills or rules), operate (for machines), make use of (phrase). As a noun: usage (the way something is used), application, employment (formal). 'Use' is usually the simplest and best choice — avoid overusing 'utilise' in everyday writing.
How do you pronounce use?
The verb use is pronounced /juːz/ — the final consonant is voiced /z/, like the 'z' in 'zone'. The noun use is pronounced /juːs/ — the final consonant is unvoiced /s/, like the 's' in 'sun'. Both start with the /juː/ sound as in 'you'. This is one of the few English words where the spelling is identical for verb and noun but the pronunciation differs.
What does used to mean?
'Used to' + infinitive describes a past habit or state that no longer exists: 'I used to live in London' (but no longer do). It is pronounced /juːst tu/ or informally /juːstə/. Note: 'be used to' + -ing means 'be accustomed to': 'I am used to waking up early.' These two structures are very different and often confused.
What is the difference between use and usage?
Use (noun) refers to the act or purpose of using something: 'the use of computers in schools'. Usage refers to the way something is typically used, especially language: 'correct English usage', 'modern usage of this word'. Usage is more formal and abstract; use is more general. In everyday speech, use is more common.
What does make use of mean?
'Make use of' means to use something that is available, especially something that might otherwise go to waste or be overlooked: 'You should make use of the library resources.' It is slightly more formal and deliberate than simply 'use'. It implies taking advantage of an available opportunity or resource.
How can I practise the word use on LexFizz?
Use LexFizz's Flash Cards to practise use and related high-frequency vocabulary like apply, employ, and method. The Vocabulary Quiz tests use in sentence context, helping you distinguish verb and noun patterns. The Wordsearch reinforces spelling. Since use is A1, you will encounter it in almost every exercise — pay attention to how it functions in context.