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utilizando

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GerundA2regular ar

using?as in 'I am using',utilizing?slightly more formal equivalent of 'using'

Quick Reference

infinitiveutilizar

gerundutilizando

past Participleutilizado

📝 In Action

Estoy utilizando mi teléfono para traducir la frase.

I am using my phone to translate the sentence.

Ella aprendió a cocinar utilizando solo ingredientes frescos.

She learned to cook using only fresh ingredients.

Utilizando esta nueva estrategia, hemos reducido los errores.

By utilizing this new strategy, we have reduced errors.

Word Connections

Synonyms

usando (using (from the verb 'usar'))
empleando (employing, using)

Common Collocations

estar utilizando – to be using (continuous action)
seguir utilizando – to continue using

💡 Grammar Points

The Continuous Action

This form (the gerund) is used with the verb 'estar' to show an action happening right now: 'Estamos utilizando' (We are using).

Explaining How

You can use 'utilizando' to explain the method or tool for doing something, often translated as 'by using' or 'using' in English.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Gerund vs. Infinitive

Mistake: "Using 'utilizar' instead of 'utilizando' after 'estar'."

Correction: Always use the -ando form after 'estar' to talk about what is happening: 'Estamos utilizando' (We are using), not 'Estamos utilizar'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Tone

'Utilizar' is often considered slightly more formal or technical than the simpler verb 'usar' (to use). Use 'utilizando' when writing academic or professional texts.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: utilizando

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'utilizando' to describe an ongoing action?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

utilizar(to use (infinitive)) - verb

útil(useful) - adjective

utilidad(utility, usefulness) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'utilizando' the same as 'usando'?

They both mean 'using'. 'Usando' comes from the simpler verb 'usar', while 'utilizando' comes from 'utilizar'. They are interchangeable in most everyday situations, but 'utilizando' sounds slightly more formal.

Can I use 'utilizando' without 'estar'?

Yes! When you use it alone, it acts like an adverb, explaining *how* something is done. Example: 'Ganó el juego utilizando una estrategia nueva' (He won the game using a new strategy).