What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
harnessed
Example
The wind turbines harnessed the power of the wind to generate electricity. [harnessed: verb]
Example
She harnessed her creativity to come up with a unique solution to the problem. [harnessed: past tense]
utilized
Example
The company utilized advanced technology to improve their production process. [utilized: verb]
Example
He utilized his language skills to communicate effectively with clients from different countries. [utilized: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Utilize is more commonly used than harness in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts. Utilize is a versatile word that can be used in various situations, while harness is less common and often used in technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between harnessed and utilized?
Both harness and utilize are formal words that are appropriate for professional or academic writing. However, harness may be perceived as more technical or specialized than utilize.
