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Prepositions after adjectives

Used to, for, by, in, or of?

Different prepositions after used create different meanings. Some refer to habits, while others describe purpose, users, or context.

Quick answer

How do prepositions change the meaning of used?

Used to describes past habits or familiarity. Used for describes purpose. Used by names users or agents. Used in refers to context. Used of is formal and means said about or applied to.

She is used to working late.
This knife is used for slicing bread.
The system is used by engineers.
The term is used in legal writing.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
used to + noun or -ing

Being familiar with something

Used to as an adjective means accustomed to something.

I'm used to the noise.
He is used to commuting every day.
2
used for + purpose

Describing function

Used for explains the purpose of an object or method.

This cream is used for dry skin.
The room is used for storage.
3
used by + people

Naming users or agents

Used by identifies who uses something.

The software is used by architects.
These tools are used by mechanics.
4
used in + context

Showing where something appears

Used in refers to a field, place, document, or process.

The phrase is used in academic writing.
This method is used in modern laboratories.
5
used of + description

Formal language about labels or descriptions

Used of is formal and means applied to or said about someone or something.

The word is often used of political leaders.
The term was first used of coastal communities.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
used to
She is used to early mornings.
accustomed to something
used for
Glass is used for windows.
having a purpose
used by
The database is used by researchers.
showing users or agents
used in
The technique is used in medicine.
showing context or field
used of
The adjective is used of people who avoid risk.
formal expression meaning applied to

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Confusing used to with past habits

Be used to is different from the modal-like past expression used to do.

✕ I am used to play tennis daily. ✓ I am used to playing tennis daily.

Using by for purpose

By names users or agents, not functions.

✕ This brush is used by cleaning shoes. ✓ This brush is used for cleaning shoes.

Overusing used of in everyday English

Used of is formal and uncommon in casual conversation.

✕ That word is used of my friends every day. ✓ That word is used for my friends every day.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She is used to ___ in a busy office.
2. The equipment is used ___ medical training.
3. The phrase is commonly used ___ law textbooks.

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Frequently asked questions

Is used to always followed by a verb?

No. It can be followed by a noun, pronoun, or -ing form.

Can used by refer to machines?

Yes. It can identify people, organisations, or systems that use something.

Is used of common in spoken English?

No. It is mainly found in formal or academic styles.

ubiquitous in, on, across, throughout or for? "ugly in", "ugly for" or "ugly of"? ultimate in, of, for, on or as? "unacceptable to", "unacceptable in" or "unacceptable for"? unaccounted for unaccustomed to or in? unacquainted with unaffected by, in, for or with? "unaffordable for" or "unaffordable to"? unanimous in, on, about, regarding or for? "unattractive to" or "unattractive for"? "unavailable for" or "unavailable to"?

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