Real question from a non-native speaker:
In what cases would you prefer "utilize" over "use"? I see "utilize" quite a bit in PowerPoint presentations, and have the impression that it isn't an exact synonym to "use".
Is there a guideline on when I can safely leave "utilize" alone in a text, or would you recommend a global search-replace?
@airwhale @rhiannonstone pretty much never, people use it because they think it sounds grander. I have never had someone object to me changing it, which demonstrates they had no reason to use it. Merriam Webster mentions the most popular use case, to use something in a new way, other than what was intended https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/utilize however it's subtle, I'd just write use, especially in technical or business writing.
Thanks a lot. I see a lot of future cases where I can use this new fact. My teammates are from all over, so these nuances can easily pass us by totally undetected.
@airwhale It's common enough in business context that "utilize" will get your point across to most people, it's just technically incorrect. And in addition to what @rachelandrew has said, in some contexts it can make you sound like you're trying to use big words/buzzwords to cover up not having a good idea to share.
Simpler words nearly always get the point across better, especially when your coworkers or customers are people from all over who may not all be native speakers!
Thanks a lot! I am in the IT Consulting business, and we have a bad habit of overusing buzzwords. Much better to let our brilliant ideas speak clearly for themselves 😄