DO I SOUND FANCY?
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TRANSITIVE VERB
Giving credit where it’s due, I read a quick blog post this morning on “Quick and Dirty Tips dot com” about a word-choice debate I’ve had for years: “use” versus “utilize.” (I know I’m not alone.)
It’s often one of those things many don’t notice until it’s pointed out, like a small stain on someone’s tie or chewing with your mouth open, but drilling down a smidge, you can see how the choice of word is often telling.
Basically, and without intending to sound too judgmental, people glom onto utilize because it “sounds” more authoritative.
Example:
By utilizing this word, I think I come across as more knowledgeable about whatever it is I’m trying to say versus keeping it simple.
VS.
By using this word, I think I come across … well, you get the point.
The fact is, the word “utilize,” which the English language poached from the French (utiliser, from utile), does have a specific usage when used in a scientific context. For example, “The body’s metabolic system utilizes sugar derived from carbohydrates to provide energy to cells.” A quick search on the internet offers more than enough writing on this subject, but it continues to rage on for whatever reason. Actually, I think we know the reason: using a sesquipedalian word like utilize SEEMS more impressive. (Why choose two syllables when you can have three?) It’s not.