On ‘Utilizing’ Bad Language
Dear corporate copywriters the world over: Stop using ‘utilize’.
Every day I see “utilize”, “utilized”, or “utilizing” used to mean “used”. You don’t “utilize our partnership” or “utilize the website” or “utilize your desk phone”. No. You use them.
You can only “utilize” something that isn’t really a tool to begin with. Let’s say that your corporate jet crashes on a deserted island. Then and only then may you utilize your phone to crack coconuts; or, utilize your binder as a serving tray for poi. You may even utilize your tie as a makeshift tourniquet. Hopefully on your neck. Because you’re an evil evil person who hates language and clear thought.