If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why?
I have an irrational hatred for the word “utilize” for REASONS.
Okay maybe just one. It means practically the same thing as “use” but sounds more, I don’t know, fancy? Educated? And people just drop it in here and there for no good reason. Just say use, folks! Really. You don’t sound more intelligent when you say utilize.
I dug around looking to see when it’s the right word. Basically, if you’re using something for an unintended purpose. So if you are hammering something with your shoe, you are utilizing your shoe. You can still say use and it’s correct though.
That’s it. So I am in favor of banning “utilize.” Please?
BJ Sikes, author 