Meaning & use
not for use
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
Not intended or safe to be used, often written on products or equipment as a warning.
Grammar: Works as a complete label or after 'is': This tool is not for use on metal.
Patterns
- not for use by someone
- not for use with something
- not for use in something
The bottle has a clear label: not for use by children under twelve.
These chemicals are not for use in the home.
This knife is not for use on frozen food; it will break.
phrasefixed phrase
Not available or intended for a particular purpose or group of people.
Grammar: Often followed by 'by' or 'in' to name the person or situation: not for use by beginners.
Patterns
- not for use by someone
- not for use in something
This software is not for use by the general public.
The room is not for use during exams.
Common combinations
- not for use by children
- The medicine is not for use by children under six.
- not for use in the home
- Industrial cleaners are not for use in the home.
- not for use with food
- This oil is not for use with food; it's for machines only.
- not for use on skin
- The label says not for use on skin.
Synonyms and how they differ
- not intended for
- More formal and often written in full sentences: This device is not intended for outdoor use.
- unsuitable for
- Focuses on the thing being a bad match, not on a rule or warning.
Opposites
Commonly confused: not for use or not to use?
not for use vs not to use
'Not to use' is part of a verb phrase meaning 'in order not to use' (I decided not to use it), while 'not for use' is a label about purpose.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'not for use' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Not for use' is a fixed phrase that describes what something is not intended for, often after 'is'. The other options try to use it as a verb phrase, which is wrong.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “not for use”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.