be used for vs be used as

Both "be used for" and "be used as" are correct and commonly used in English, but they are used in different contexts. "Be used for" is used to indicate the purpose or intended function of something, while "be used as" is used to indicate the role or function that something is currently performing.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 1123 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the purpose or intended function of something.

"be used for"

Use "be used for" when you want to specify the purpose or intended function of an object, tool, or item.

Examples:

This knife can be used for cutting vegetables.
The new software will be used for data analysis.
The meeting room is used for staff meetings.
The hammer can be used for driving nails.
The flashlight is used for emergencies.

Show examples from the web [+]

"This phone number cannot be used for verification". If you find this error message, you have to use a different number. To protect you from abuse, ...
Which extractant should be used for the screening and isolation of antimicrobial components from plants? J Ethnopharmacol. 1998 Feb;60(1):1-8. doi: ...
Why the impact factor of journals should not be used for evaluating research. P. O. Seglen. Author information Copyright and License information Disclaimer.
Dec 6, 2017 ... When and how should multiple imputation be used for handling missing data in randomised clinical trials - a practical guide with flowcharts.
Disney Gift Card can be used for almost everything Disney. Plus 60+ designs, no fees, no expiration, free standard shipping and more.
The Suica cannot be used for travel on the Shinkansen. Valid Areas and Transportation Systems. The Suica can be used on JR East lines in the Tokyo metropolitan ...
In contrast, CBD derived from the hemp plant (less than 0.3% THC ) is legal under federal law. Many states allow THC to be used for medical reasons. Federal law ...
REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other ... No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for international sea cruise travel.

Alternatives:

serve as
function as
act as
work as
be utilized for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the role or function that something is currently performing.

"be used as"

Use "be used as" when you want to specify the current role or function of an object, tool, or item.

Examples:

She is used as a mentor for new employees.
The old shed is used as a storage space.
The tablet can be used as a drawing tool.
The scarf is used as a fashion accessory.
The spare room is used as a guest bedroom.

Show examples from the web [+]

Article 153 should therefore be used as legal base.
Neutral methacrylate copolymer is intended to be used as a sustained-release glazing agent.
Methyl methane sulphonate, 4-nitroquinoline oxide or ethylnitrosourea may be used as positive controls for tests without metabolic activation.
Three times the signal to noise ratio can be used as decision limit.
But it can be used as a power source.
Your seat cushion may be used as a floatation device.
It is confirmed, that it can be used as an antibody.
The vaccine should be used as supplied; no reconstitution is necessary.
The uniform format may be used as a sticker or a stand-alone document.
Ibraxion can therefore be used as a marker vaccine in association with an appropriate diagnostic test.
Hypertension Zestril may be used as monotherapy or in combination with other classes of antihypertensive medicinal products.
Chlorine gas shall not be used as a bleaching agent.
Along with anything that can be used as a weapon.
The oxygen tank could be used as an escape pod.
The uniform format can be used as a sticker or a stand-alone document.
That is something that could be used as a blueprint for a European model.
These resources should be used as effectively as possible.
Expansion must not be used as a scapegoat.
Safety should never be used as a political football.
DepoCyte must be used as supplied without further dilution.

Alternatives:

function as
act as
serve as
work as
be employed as

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be used for vs be used as

"be used for"

"be used as"

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