What is Make use of? Usage of Make use of in English

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When you're building advanced English vocabulary for IELTS and professional communication, understanding how to properly make use of different expressions becomes crucial for achieving higher band scores. This comprehensive guide will help you master this versatile phrase while exploring the make use of meaning and its practical applications.

How to use Make use of correctly in English

I. What is Make Use Of?
II. Usage of Make Use Of
III. Synonyms and Antonyms of Make Use Of
IV. Exercises on Make Use Of with Answers
1. 1. Exercises
2. 2. Answer

I. What is Make Use Of?

What is make use of? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, make use of is pronounced as /meɪk juːz ɑːv/, functions as a phrase, meaning: to use something that is available. Understanding the make use of meaning helps you apply this expression effectively. For example:

The manager wants to make use of the hotel's old facilities.
We must make use of every weapon we have in the fight against terrorism.

The phrase "make use of" elevates your expression beyond simple "use" by emphasizing purposeful and strategic application of available resources. Unlike basic usage, this expression demonstrates intentionality and resourcefulness – qualities that IELTS examiners value in higher band responses.

In addition, we often come across some words or phrases added together with make use of to emphasize meaning. Let's learn with PREP what the phrase "make good use of" means and how to make full use of these variations!

Phrase	Meaning	Example Context
Make good use of	Apply something beneficially	"Students make good use of digital libraries for research"
Make full use of	Extract total value from a resource	"Successful candidates make full use of preparation time"
Make better use of	Improve efficiency of utilization	"Companies make better use of renewable energy sources"

II. Usage of Make Use Of

Let's learn together with PREP about the usage of make use of through the table below! When you make use of these patterns correctly, your language improves.

Usage	Example
Subject + make use of + Noun	She makes use of her skills to communicate with clients from different countries.
Subject + make use of + Noun phrase	Our office will make use of the empty courtyard behind the building for parking.
Subject + makes use of + Gerund	All of you should make use of taking part in the upcoming seminar to expand your network.

III. Synonyms and Antonyms of Make Use Of

Let's take a look at this table below about some synonyms and antonyms of make use of that PREP has compiled! Understanding these make use of synonym options helps you vary your vocabulary.

Vocabulary		Meaning	Example
Synonyms	Use /juːz/ (verb)	to put something such as a tool, skill, or building to a particular purpose	Please use a pen to fill out the form.
	Operate /ˈɒp.ə.reɪt/ (verb)	to (cause to) work, be in action or have an effect	The technician showed me how to operate the new equipment in the lab.
	Employ /ɪmˈplɔɪ/ (verb)	to use something	The company decided to employ new technologies to improve efficiency.
	Handle /ˈhæn.dəl/ (verb)	to deal with, have responsibility for, or be in charge of	Be careful how you handle the delicate glassware in the laboratory.
	Put something to use /pʊt tuː juːz/ (phrase)	to use (something) in an effective way	We should put our knowledge and skills to use to solve real-world problems.
Antonyms	Waste /weɪst/ (verb)	to use too much of something or use something badly when there is a limited amount of it	It's important not to waste valuable environmental resources.
	Misuse /mɪsˈjuːz/ (verb)	to use something in an unsuitable way or in a way that was not intended	It is unethical to misuse confidential information for personal gain.
	Misapply /mɪsəˈplaɪ/ (verb)	to use something badly, wrongly, or in a way that was not intended	If you misapply the adhesive, the two surfaces may not bond properly.
	Fritter away /ˈfrɪt.ər əˈweɪ/ (phrase)	to waste money, time, or an opportunity	Robert often fritters away his time on trivial activities instead of focusing on important tasks.

When you make use of synonym variety in your writing, your communication becomes more sophisticated. Each make use of synonym carries different connotations.

IV. Exercises on Make Use Of with Answers

To better understand the usage of make use of, quickly complete the two exercises below along with PREP! These make use of examples help you practice effectively.

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Conjugate the verbs in brackets

She_______(make) use of her organizational skills to manage the team effectively.
At this moment, they_______(make) use of the latest technology to analyze market trends.
Last year, the company_______(make) use of a new marketing strategy to increase sales.
Next month, we_______(make) use of a training program to enhance our employees' skills.
Over the years, he_______(make) use of various opportunities to expand his business.

Exercise 2: Find and correct mistakes

The chef make use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients in all of his recipes.
The construction crew is currently making using of advanced machinery to speed up the building process.
In the past, the team make use of traditional methods to complete similar projects.
Next week, the students will made use of the library resources for their research projects.
Since joining the company, she has make use of training opportunities to enhance her professional skills.

2. Answer

Exercise 1	Exercise 2
makes are making made will make has made	make ➞ makes using ➞ use make ➞ made made ➞ make make ➞ made

Chloe

Product Content Admin

Hi I'm Chloe, and I am currently serving as an Product Content Administrator at Prep Education. With over five years of experience in independent online IELTS study and exam preparation, I am confident in my ability to support learners in achieving their highest possible scores.