Macmillan Holdings, LLC. Grammar Girl, Grammar Girl's, QDnow, and Quick and Dirty Tips are all trademarks of Macmillan Holdings, LLC. Plus a bonus topic: “pled” versus “pleaded.” Emilio grammar Even in my science writing class, we try to avoid the word utilize (The Craft of Scientific writing by Alley) "When describing the truth, leave elegance to the tailor" -Einstein http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=18473#Comments http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=18473#Comments Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:39:19 GMT Dawn grammar I hate that I am so hung up on the word utilize. Everytime I hear someone use it, I want to scream. At least, I can feel validation for my feelings by reading this article. http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=17903#Comments http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=17903#Comments Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:31:10 GMT Gary grammar Scientific publications should follow the same grammar as other writing. The overuse of utilize in scientific papers is the perfect example of overly formal grammar. http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=17863#Comments http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=17863#Comments Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:23:34 GMT Jenny R. Johnson grammar I liked this podcast, and I have always disliked the pretentious extra syllables in utilize. Industrial engineers also use (not utilize) “utilize” as a technical term to describe the portion of time a machine is scheduled to be in production. But my comment is about “usage.” Usage is just as often written when the author should write “use.” Please keep up the good work. I was really please the other day when I said that I listen to grammar girl, and I writing teacher at the local law school said she suggested grammar girl to her students. http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=16855#Comments http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=16855#Comments Tue, 05 May 2009 15:01:29 GMT Matt grammar I feel I must stand up for the usage of utilize in some contexts. Utilize is defined as using something to it's fullest potential. For example, MacGyver always utilizes his surroundings. In this sentence, MacGyver doesn't just use, he utilizes. Utilize, while often overused, still has an important place in language and I feel that you understated the potential of this word. I wish you would fully explain the meaning and usage of a word, rather than simply discarding it as "scientific" or "marketing speak". I love your podcasts and look forward to them every week. My grammar improves with each episode. Keep up the great work. http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=16454#Comments http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=16454#Comments Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:52:15 GMT Grant Hiesterman grammar I ran into the "use" versus "utilize" question in about 1995 so decided to check with a grammatical historian and my graduate schooler advisor who learned the king's English in UK. While there are exceptions, "utilize" is to enjoy or employ the functionality of something: I will utilize the brush to apply the paint. "Use" was the word of choice when the thing diminished in quantity or quality. I used all the paint. I bought a used (not utilized) car. I know this is picky and will not go down with the ship either way on this one. But once I understood that I utilize things and things may be used up it became clear to me. As I told one reader, at least I have a reason for why I write what I write even if it is incorrect. http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=16306#Comments http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=16306#Comments Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:36:57 GMT Ione grammar Thank you for addressing utilize. I also cringe when I hear that word. Eric, I will use your idea of changing the word with the tracking turned off. Now, if I could only find a way to stop supposedly educated people from misusing the word myself! http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=16282#Comments http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=16282#Comments Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:08:02 GMT Amy grammar Use/utilize is my favorite misuse! I too like the rule that use is to use something as intended, utilize is to use something for a purpose other than that for which is was intended. And to bring in this week's vote, "I often utilize my chesterfield as a bed when family is in town". http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=16276#Comments http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=16276#Comments Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:38:12 GMT miette grammar I've always taught the golden rule that USE was what you do with tools when you're using them as they're intended. And UTILISE was what you do with tools when you need to get creative with them. So you'd use a bottle opener to open a beer. Or you'd utilise your teeth for the same. Or you'd USE your hands to strangle someone (because hands are made for strangling) for getting it wrong. Or you could UTILISE piano wire and really teach them a lesson. http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=16233#Comments http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=16233#Comments Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:52:50 GMT DanielAri grammar In this week you note that "some grammarians are mad" about pleaded v. pled. I beg to differ: Grammarians R Pissed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qJds1tHrk0 http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=16169#Comments http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx?commentid=16169#Comments Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:56:19 GMT Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:39:19 GMT http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/use-versus-utilize.aspx feedback@quickanddirtytips.com (Managing Editor) feedback@quickanddirtytips.com (Webmaster) en-us