gerund or present participle
Using something means making it help you do a task or get a result.
They are using the new software.
Using a map, we found our way home.
American English
How to pronounce using
verbA1Very common word
YOOzihng
/ˈju.zɪŋ/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of use
Using can describe an action in progress or introduce the method used to do something.
Using something means making it help you do a task or get a result.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
gerund or present participle
Using something means spending or consuming it, such as time, money, water, or energy.
This machine is using too much electricity.
I'm using all my savings for the trip.
Good to know
For time, money, and energy, English often uses using where Spanish uses gastando.
gerund or present participle
Using someone means getting what you want from that person without caring about them.
He is using me to get a better job.
She felt that her friends were using her for money.
Good to know
This meaning is usually negative: the person is treated like a tool.
Useful expressions
to finish all of something by taking or consuming it
We used up all the milk.
to have done something regularly in the past, but not now
I used to walk to work.
to be familiar with something and not find it difficult or strange
She's used to working late.
Related words & forms
In using, drop the final e: use → using.