Ricky06  +  196152 Mon, 13 Feb 06 03:35 AM I'd like to know which of the following is/are correct: 1. Please return it after use. 2. Please return it after using. 3. Please return it after usage. Thanks. Ricky Ricky06 Joined on Tue, Feb 7 2006 Junior Member 53

	Clive  +  196173 Mon, 13 Feb 06 05:33 AM Hi, 1. Please return it after use. 2. Please return it after using. 3. Please return it after usage. Say it as in #1, in which 'use' is a noun'. For #2, you'd have to say Please return it after using it, which is rather repetitive, although this is how we normally say it in everyday speech. In #3, 'usage' is not an appropriate noun, 'use' is better. Best wishes, Clive Clive Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004 Canada Veteran Member 29,612 El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo Nouns

	Ryanz0r  +  196459 Mon, 13 Feb 06 10:24 PM Clive is right, though curiously enough I'd say "after the usage" would be the favourable of your latter options. However, I would remove "after" and simply use "after use." Ryanz0r Joined on Wed, Feb 8 2006 Torquay, England New Member 19 Me have the grammar bad!

	Clive  +  196563 Tue, 14 Feb 06 05:01 AM Hi guys, 1. Please return it after the use. 3. Please return it after the usage.  I see the intent here as a general statement so it sounds odd to use the definite article. I would certainly say it should be omitted. In a more specific context, I'd say somehting like ' Please return it after you use it'. Of the two quoted options above, I prefer 'use' rather than 'usage' here. The former refers to the using of something, whereas the latter deals with the action of using something. Best wishes, Clive Clive Articles, Definite Articles