"used for" vs "used as"

Question

"used for" vs "used as"

Both "used for" and "used as" are correct phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. "Used for" is used to indicate the purpose or function of something, while "used as" is used to indicate the role or function of something. They are not interchangeable and should be used based on the specific context.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

Use "used for" to indicate the purpose or function of something. For example, "This knife is used for cutting vegetables."

Examples:

This tool is used for gardening.
The computer is used for work.
The hammer is used for driving nails.

Alternatives:

intended for
designed for
meant for

Use "used as" to indicate the role or function of something. For example, "She used the hammer as a makeshift doorstop."

Examples:

He used the car as a shelter from the rain.
The scarf can be used as a headband.
The table can be used as a desk.

Alternatives:

employed as
utilized as
functioning as

Answer 1

used for

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

Answer 2

used as

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

"used for" vs "used as"

used for

used as

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