using

to use something for a particular purpose or activity

usar, emplear, utilizar

• use something to do sth

Collocations using the phone · using a computer

• She uses her laptop for work.

  Ella usa su portátil para trabajar.

to make something from a particular material or substance

hacer con, fabricar con

• use sth to make sth

Collocations using wood for furniture · using plastic for bags

• They use bamboo to make paper.

  Usan bambú para hacer papel.

to refer to or mention something in a document, speech, etc.

mencionar, citar, referirse a

• use sth when talking about sth

Collocations using statistics in an argument · using examples to illustrate a point

• The report uses data from the last five years.

  El informe usa datos de los últimos cinco años.

to follow a particular method or system in doing something

usar, seguir, emplear (un método)

• use sth to do sth

Collocations using a new approach · using a different strategy

• We use a step-by-step method.

  Usamos un método paso a paso.

to take or consume drugs, especially illegally

consumir, tomar (drogas)

• use sth

Collocations using heroin · using cocaine

• He has been using drugs for years.

  Ha estado consumiendo drogas durante años.

to operate or control a piece of technology, especially in computing

usar, manejar (la tecnología)

• use sth to do sth

Collocations using a computer program · using an app on your phone

• She uses the software for her business.

  Ella usa el software para su negocio.

to speak or write in a particular language

hablar, escribir en (un idioma)

• use sth

Collocations using English at work · using Spanish in class

• They use French for their meetings.

  Usan francés para sus reuniones.

to spend money on something or someone

invertir, gastar en (algo)

• use sth

Collocations using funds for research · using money to buy a house

• The company uses its profits to expand.

  La empresa usa sus ganancias para expandirse.