“Utilize” vs. “Use”

Common English Blunders, Verbs, Versus

I saw “utilize” in a document where “use” would be correct.

Problem:
The verbs “utilize” and “use” are not synonyms.

Explanation:
The verb “utilize” means to put to profitable use. For example, The drill sargeants could not use the PDAs would mean that the drill sargeants were unable to operate the PDAs, whereas The drill sargeants could not utilize the PDAs would mean that the drill sargeants could not find ways to deploy the PDAs in the boot camp.

Solution:
Use “utilize” when you want to indicate to put to profitable use; use “use” otherwise.

“Is comprised of”

Common English Blunders, Verbs

I often see or hear this.

Problem:
“Is comprised of” is meaningless.

Explanation:
Something is not comprised of X, Y, and Z. Instead, something comprises X, Y, and Z. If you know how to use “encompass” correctly, then you can test whether you are using “comprise” correctly.

Incorrect: The USA is encompassed of fifty states.
Correct: The USA encompasses fifty states.

Incorrect: The USA is comprised of fifty states.
Correct: The USA comprises fifty states.

Solution:
“Comprises”

“Come” vs. “Go”

Common English Blunders, Verbs, Versus

I frequently hear “come” when the speaker means “go” instead.

Problem:
The verbs “come” and “go” are not interchangeable.

Explanation:
Use “go” when you (or another speaker) are telling the listener to travel to a location other than where you (or another speaker) currently reside.

“Go” Examples:
1. Please go to my friend in London.
2. Jim, who today is in Houston on business, asked Mary to go to his friend in London.

Use “come” when you (or another speaker) are telling the listener to travel to a location where you (or another speaker) currently reside.

“Come” Examples:
1. Please come to me.
2. Jim, who lives in Denver, asked Mary to come to him at his temporary office in Houston.

Solution:
Use “come” when the person making the request is at the destination.
Use “go” when the person making the request is NOT at the destination.