"use to" vs "use for"

Question

"use to" vs "use for"

Both "use for" and "use to" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Use for" is used to indicate the purpose or intended function of something, while "use to" is used to indicate past habits or actions that were common in the past but not anymore.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

Use "use to" when talking about actions or habits that were done regularly in the past but are no longer done.

Examples:

I used to play the piano when I was younger.
She used to live in Paris.
We used to go camping every summer.
He used to work at that company.
They used to be best friends.

Alternatives:

was accustomed to
were in the habit of
were used to
were accustomed to
had the habit of

Use "use for" when you want to specify the purpose or intended function of an object, tool, or action.

Examples:

I use this knife for cutting vegetables.
She uses her phone for work.
We can use this room for meetings.
He uses his car for commuting to work.
They use social media for marketing.

Alternatives:

utilize for
employ for
apply for
utilize in order to
employ in order to

Answer 1

use to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate past habits or actions that were common in the past but not anymore.

Answer 2

use for

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

"use to" vs "use for"

use to

use for

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