using vs to use

The phrases 'using' and 'to use' are both correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Using' is a present participle that indicates an ongoing action, while 'to use' is an infinitive that indicates the purpose or intention of an action. They are not directly comparable as they serve different grammatical functions.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 1358 views

The word 'using' is a present participle that indicates an ongoing action or the method by which something is done.

" using"

It is used when describing actions that are currently happening or ongoing, or when explaining the method or tool employed to achieve a certain result.

Examples:

She is using her phone to call her friend.
He is using a hammer to fix the shelf.
Using a computer is essential for this task.
They are using teamwork to complete the project.
The chef is using fresh ingredients for the recipe.

Show examples from the web [+]

Consistent with Recital 13 of the Commission proposal using appropriate terminology.
The fraud was perpetrated using the triangular trading method.
Charlie has already started using blue smoke.
Dad using a doctor to avoid sentencing.
Bundy stopped using his broken arm ruse.
Exactly when Franklin started using his helicopter.
But using company funds to decorate your house is.
You cannot go around using private confidential police information.
I thought they stopped using electroshock.
So stop thinking and start using your instinct.
You terrorized Eric about using that bike responsibly.
It should therefore be possible to continue using them.
Please answer using the table below.
Hackers love using online poker to launder funds.
Merely using the ghost network As a secure telecommunications channel.
Serial killer kills police using the judicial system.
Never heard of anyone using gold before.
Nothing significant has ever been typed using thumbs.
We're using everything at our disposal.
My father created it using kryptonian technology.

Alternatives:

utilizing
employing
applying
operating

The phrase 'to use' is an infinitive that indicates the purpose or intention of an action.

" to use"

It is used to express the reason or goal behind an action, indicating what someone intends to do or achieve.

Examples:

I need to use the computer to finish my assignment.
She wants to use her savings to buy a new car.
He decided to use his skills to help others.
They plan to use the profits to expand the business.
She hopes to use her influence to make a positive change.

Show examples from the web [+]

More words related to use ... V.L. *usare "use," frequentative form of pp. stem of L. uti "to use," in Old L. oeti "use, employ, exercise, perform," of unknown origin.
b : the ability or power to use something (as a limb or faculty). c : the legal enjoyment of property that consists in its employment, occupation, exercise, or practice.
The need or occasion to use or employ something: I have no use for these old clothes. 5. The quality of being suitable or adaptable to an end; usefulness: I tried ...
There is a little confusion on how to use the words use to and used to. One reason for the confusion is that it is sometimes used as a verb, and sometimes used ...

Alternatives:

for using
in order to use
with the intention of using
for the purpose of using
to employ

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using vs to use

" using"

" to use"

Related Comparisons

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