Usage vs Use

Posted by Fred on May 09, 2003

In Reply to: Usage vs Use posted by Lotg on May 09, 2003

: I've never really understood the value of the word 'usage'. Surely, wherever you can use the word 'usage', it is also acceptable to use the word 'use'.

: I know it's more common to say that something is 'in common usage', but is it in fact more correct or necessary?

According to Fowler's _Modern English Usage_ 'in
common usage' is not correct. He cites this misuse
of 'usage': 'There is a serious shortage of X-ray
films due to increasing usage in all countries'.

IN