ENGLISH
REFERENCE

USES

n. C / U
B1 Intermediate US //ˈjusəz// us·es

n. the different ways or purposes for which something can be used. You might talk about the many uses of a tool or a piece of software.

n. the various purposes for which an object, substance, or concept is employed. Often appears in the plural to describe a range of applications or functions.


SIMPLE

This versatile tool has many different uses around the house.

CONTEXTUAL

The architect explained the various uses of the new community space, from hosting markets to providing a quiet study area.

COMPLEX

While the primary function of the building is residential, the zoning laws allow for secondary commercial uses such as small offices or ground-floor retail outlets.

Synonyms
Usage

When used as a noun, the 's' is pronounced as a voiceless /s/, unlike the verb form which uses a voiced /z/ sound.

Pitfall

The uses of this software is manyThe uses of this software are manyWhen 'uses' is the plural subject, the verb must agree and be plural.

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