The word usage

Question

is this the proper use of the word usage in a sentence. The ladder is only to be in the security room when in usage.  If so why

Avangi · Accepted Answer

I wouldn't call it proper, or idiomatic, but I'd have to check my dictionary.

We use words and ladders, but we describe their use differently.

The word has been in use since the Middle Ages. The word is no longer in use.

The use of this word is discouraged.

The usage of this word varies from one region to another. (the way it's used)

The ladder is not presently being used. The ladder is not in use.

The use of this ladder is restricted to members of the maintenance crew.

(Possibly) The use/usage of aluminum ladders around electrical wires is forbidden. ("Usage" here would be unusual.)
But, This usage would be unusual, speaking of the sentence, would be quite common.

That is, I'm suggesting that "usage" commonly describes the way a word is used, but not the way a ladder is used. But it may be possible.

Avangi · Answer

Edit.

I think you may always substitute "use" for "usage," but not the other way around.

While I was offline, I was trying to think of areas other than grammar (words) where "usage" is idiomatic.
I think we might say a particular law has seen more usage since a particular event.

I don't think we'd say a specific tool or piece of equipment has seen a lot of usage.

As a general statement, we might say that battery-operated power tools have seen more usage since the 1980's.
My dictionary is not very specific, but clearly states that "use" is preferred over "usage" in many cases.

For what it's worth, Google has 30,400,000 hits for "when in use,"
but only 1,480,000 for "when in usage."

MichalS · Answer

AvangiI think you may always substitute "use" for "usage," but not the other way around.

Hi Avangi,

It's nice to see you. I think I haven't seen you around for a while.

I've always thought of 'usage' as a more technical word. I've seen the word in many a linguistic book and consequently, as I tried to copy the generally accepted scholarly writing style, I used it frequently while writing my thesis. Please, see some examples:

The usage of the Past Perfect is not very complicated.
The usage of this word is clearly limited to a formal register.

Do you think that 'usage' can be substituted with 'use' in these sentences?

Michal

Avangi · Answer

Hi, Michal. Thanks for the kind words.

I think these are examples of "prime" use/usage of the term "usage." It would be the preferred choice.

In my experience, the most common use of "usage" is in describing good and bad language patterns.

Best wishes, - A.

The word usage

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