use data vs utilize data

Both "use data" and "utilize data" are correct, but "use data" is more commonly used and considered more straightforward. "Utilize data" is a bit more formal and can be seen as unnecessarily wordy in many contexts.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 882 views

use data

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase means to employ or make use of data for a specific purpose.

Examples:

We need to use data to make informed decisions.
Scientists use data to support their research findings.

Show examples from the web [+]

- Commission Decision 2005/124/EC[8] authorised Member States to use data from administrative sources for certain characteristics.
The receiving Member State may use data received in a reply solely for the procedure for which the search was made.
It is therefore disproportionate to collect and use data whose reliability cannot be guaranteed beyond all doubt.
3. subject to the Commission's agreement, may use data from other official sources.
The time when the existing land use data set started to exist in the real world.
The time from which this existing land use data set no longer exists in the real world.
Member States may use data obtained from the Customs Information System only in order to achieve the aim stated in Article 1(2).
Therefore, the Community institutions concluded that it is appropriate not to use data gathered during the review concerning these three companies.
The B method for casinos is to use data on the number of persons entering.
Air traffic service providers shall not use data from Mode S interrogators operating under the responsibility of a third country if the interrogator code allocation has not been coordinated.
In preparing its information to the Agency, the Member State may use data which supported the initial designation, held by the Agency.
Member States, Europol and Eurojust may use data obtained from the Customs Information System only in order to achieve the aim stated in Article 1(2).
Member States, Europol and Eurojust may use data obtained from the Customs Information System only in order to achieve the aim stated in Article 1(2).
The B method for libraries is to use data on lending (broken down by major item type) as an indicator of the overall output of the library.
Care must be taken to use data with a detailed breakdown so that each indicator for which calculations are made is as homogeneous as possible in respect of costs.
The Member States having asked to be authorised to use data from sources other than statistical surveys have provided the Commission with technical documentation as to the relevance and the accuracy of these sources.
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 68/2003[5] set the time limits for transmission of the 2003 survey data to Eurostat and authorised Member States to use data from administrative sources for certain characteristics.
may use data obtained from the Customs Information System only in order to achieve the aim stated in Article 1(2).
How and when will it be possible to use data compiled by the European Observatory on gender-based violence to ascertain the extent of the problem in Europe?
The searching Member State may use data received in a reply solely for the procedure for which the search was made.

Alternatives:

employ data
utilize information
make use of data
leverage data
apply data

utilize data

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in everyday language.

This phrase means to make practical or effective use of data, often in a formal or technical context.