Example
utilise (verb)
Use something practically and effectively, especially resources.
The factory utilises waste heat to warm nearby homes.
Written by Fizza Butool Zaidi and Ali Zaidi
12 alternatives
Use something practically and effectively, especially resources.
The factory utilises waste heat to warm nearby homes.
Don't swap blindly: Often just a longer way to say 'use'. Choose it only when you mean putting a resource to practical use.
Use a method, technique or skill; formal.
Successful teachers employ a range of methods.
Use something available; often with 'good' or 'full'.
Few students make full use of the university library.
Use knowledge, rules or a method in a situation.
Graduates need to apply their knowledge to real problems.
Start using a new method, policy or technology.
More farmers are adopting drip irrigation to save water.
Use because you need it.
Rural communities rely on buses to reach hospitals.
Don't swap blindly: It adds the idea of dependence.
Use knowledge, experience or resources you have.
Good writers draw on their own experience.
Control and use a natural force or potential.
Coastal countries could harness wave power.
Use fully; or use unfairly.
The region has yet to exploit its tourist potential.
Don't swap blindly: With people it is negative: 'exploit workers' means treat them unfairly.
Use up energy, fuel, food or time.
Data centres consume large amounts of electricity.
Use and control a machine or system.
Staff need training to operate the new equipment.
Use an opportunity; also use someone unfairly.
More older people are taking advantage of free online courses.
Don't swap blindly: With a person as the object it is negative: 'take advantage of a customer'.
Paraphrasing
Band tip: the public IELTS Writing band descriptors for Lexical Resource describe Band 7 as using “less common lexical items” with “some awareness of style and collocation”. A synonym that changes your meaning or breaks a collocation works against you, so choose the word that fits the sentence, not the rarest one you know.
In context
Schools that adopt new technology need to make good use of it. Tablets are only valuable if teachers know how to apply them to real lessons, so training should come before purchasing. Otherwise, schools risk spending money on devices that consume time and electricity without improving learning.
Not usually. Utilise means putting something to practical use and often sounds inflated. Use is correct in most sentences; a precise verb such as employ, apply or adopt is a better upgrade.
Use is the general noun ('the use of phones in class'). Usage refers to the amount or manner of use ('water usage', 'language usage'). 'The usage of phones in class' sounds unnatural.
Employ (methods), apply (knowledge), adopt (new technology), make use of (resources) and draw on (experience) are all formal and precise.
With people, yes. With resources or opportunities, it is neutral: 'exploit solar energy', 'exploit a gap in the market'.
Practise
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