Meaning & use
avail of
Last updated
Meanings
phrasetransitiveformal
To make use of something useful, such as an opportunity or service.
Grammar: Takes a direct object: avail of the offer. Not used in the passive.
Patterns
- avail of something
- avail of an opportunity
- avail of a service
Guests can avail of free Wi-Fi in all rooms.
She availed of the chance to study abroad for a year.
We encourage you to avail of our online support.
phrasetransitiveformal
To help oneself to something; to take advantage of something.
Grammar: Often used reflexively: avail yourself of something. Without 'yourself', it is still transitive but less common.
Patterns
- avail yourself of something
- avail oneself of an opportunity
He availed himself of the library's resources.
Please avail yourself of the refreshments.
They availed themselves of the legal advice offered.
Common combinations
- avail of an opportunity
- Many students avail of the opportunity to attend extra classes.
- avail of a service
- Customers can avail of our delivery service.
- avail of free Wi-Fi
- Passengers can avail of free Wi-Fi on the train.
- avail of a discount
- Members can avail of a 10% discount.
Synonyms and how they differ
- use
- More general and informal; 'use' is the everyday word, while 'avail of' is formal and often implies taking an opportunity.
- take advantage of
- Can suggest using something for your own benefit, sometimes unfairly; 'avail of' is neutral and formal.
- utilize
- Means to make practical use of something, often in technical contexts; 'avail of' is more about accepting an offer or service.
Word family
- avail verb
- To be of use or benefit; often used in questions like 'What does it avail?'
- available adjective
- Ready for use or obtainable.
- availability noun
- The state of being able to be used or obtained.
Commonly confused: avail of or avail? avail of or available?
avail of vs avail
As a verb, 'avail' means to help or be useful, not to use something. 'Avail of' is a phrase meaning to use or take advantage of.
avail of vs available
An adjective meaning ready for use, not a verb phrase. Don't say 'avail of available'; say 'avail of something' or 'use something available'.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'avail of' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The correct pattern is 'avail of + noun phrase' with no extra preposition. Option 0 follows this pattern. The others add unnecessary prepositions ('to', 'of to', 'for') that break the structure.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “avail of”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.