usage/use

[Tan Elaine]

Correct usage/use of the word.

Which word should I use?

[5jj]

Correct usage/use of the word.

Which word should I use?

The use of the word refers to the act of using it, the usage to the way in which it is used.

That sounds pretty straightforward, but there is a degree of overlap and confusion for many people. The OALD cites, "It's not a word in common usage." I think I would have used "use" there.

[Mehrgan]

The use of the word refers to the act of using it, the usage to the way in which it is used.

That sounds pretty straightforward, but there is a degree of overlap and confusion for many people. The OALD cites, "It's not a word in common usage." I think I would have used "use" there.

Thanks to you dear fivedjon. Also, in teaching context, it's said that the usage of a word is knowing how to use it (so not necessarily the actual use of it, and not a helpful idea if we just know about it but can't use it), while use, as you mentioned, stresses the real use or ability to use it in practice.

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Thanks.

[5jj]

Also, in teaching context, it's said that the usage of a word is knowing how to use it (so not necessarily the actual use of it, and not a helpful idea if we just know about it but can't use it), while use, as you mentioned, stresses the real use or ability to use it in practice.

I am not going to answer that question, Mehrgan, because I am a coward.

The use/usage of these words is one of the few things that causes me to worry when I write in this forum or in my other writing. Nine times out of ten, I am confident that I have used the right word. On the tenth occasion I play with both words - and usually end up rephrasing the sentence with the verb 'use'.