The words use, usage, and utilize suffer from a malady: they share common etymological roots. Those roots do not make the word synonyms; it only means that they are related in much the same way that cousins are related. The way to determining when to use one of the words is entirely dependent on their definitions and the surrounding context.
“Use” is both a noun and a verb, and it’s in its noun state that it is sometimes replaced with “usage.” It’s an incorrect use; the two words do not share at all similar definitions. “Use,” as a noun, means “the act or practice of employing something,” “the fact or state of being used,” and “a method or manner of employing or applying something.”
Emily is one of their most productive employees; she always makes good use of her time.
Mark’s knives are for daily use, but he doesn’t share them with junior chefs.
Sean went on a couple of photo shoots to gain practice in the use of his Nikon D810.
“Usage” refers to conventions, typically those of language: “Is ‘hadn’t ought’ proper usage?” she asked. As stated in the previous paragraph, the word tends to be used in place of the noun “use.” Such use is incorrect regardless of formal or informal writing.
“Utilize” can be used to mean “make good use of,” which explains some of the confusion regarding it and “use.” The two words are synonyms some of the time. The trouble occurs when “utilize” is used to mean “place in service” or “employ.” While the use isn’t necessarily incorrect, it isn’t preferred. “Use” should be used instead.
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