ESL Term:

Use Usage

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use and usage: Use is how the language is used in communication, or the function of language. This can be contrasted with usage, which is the grammatical explanation of some language.

Have you ever . . .

Have you ever eaten fried snake?

Use: To inquire about past experiences.

Usage: A present perfect question with ever placed in front of the past participle.

Although usage does have some part to play in adult education, use is more important. In meaningful communication, students are more concerned with the function of language.