What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
consumption
Example
The consumption of sugary drinks has been linked to health problems. [consumption: noun]
Example
The country's energy consumption has increased over the past decade. [consumption: noun]
Example
She enjoys the consumption of literature and reads a book every week. [consumption: gerund]
use
Example
I use my phone to check my email. [use: verb]
Example
The use of a hammer is to drive nails into wood. [use: noun]
Example
He has a bad habit of using his phone during meetings. [use: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Use is a more common word than consumption in everyday language. Use is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while consumption is more specialized and often used in specific fields such as economics or health.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between consumption and use?
Both consumption and use can be used in formal or informal contexts, but consumption may be more formal due to its specialized usage in certain fields.