What is the use of/for...

[NAL123]

Question (1): What is the use of the Enter key on the keyboard?

Question (2): What is the use for the Enter key on the keyboard?

Answer: The Enter key is primarily used for executing commands, submitting forms etc.

Which is correct, of or for?

 

[jutfrank]

of

Change the word 'use' to 'function' and then the second 'the' to 'a'.

 

[NAL123]

of

Change the word 'use' to 'function' and then the second 'the' to 'a'.

But I think "use for" is also used sometimes. Am I right?

Don't throw that cloth away - you'll find a use for it one day.

 

[emsr2d2]

But I think "use for" is also used sometimes. Am I right?

Don't throw that cloth away - you'll find a use for it one day.

That's correct, but "for" doesn't work after "What is the use".

 

[jutfrank]

But I think "use for" is also used sometimes. Am I right?

Yes, that's right. The two prepositions have different meanings and uses.

 

[emsr2d2]

Just think of "What's the use of ...?" as a set question opening. You'll also hear "What's the use in ...?" You won't hear "What's the use for ...?"

The version with "of" will usually be followed by a noun phrase.
The version with "in" will usually be followed by a verb phrase.

What's the use of that big red button?
What's the use of your appendix?
What's the use of the royal family?

What's the use in crying if it won't change the situation?
What's the use in working hard if you get paid peanuts?
What's the use in voting when it really makes no difference which party gets in?