avail of

This phrase has some deep roots in the Old French word avaler, which meant to help or be of use. Over time, it shook hands with the Latin word valere, which means to be strong or to have value. So, when you avail of a discount, you are literally making that discount "worth something" to you. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was a staple of high-society letters. If you weren't availing yourself of someone's hospitality, were you even part of the elite? Today, it has survived mostly in formal settings and in specific regions like Ireland and India. It is a linguistic survivor that kept its tuxedo on while other words changed into sweatpants. It reminds us that some opportunities are too good to just "use"; they deserve a bit of verbal respect. It’s like the word is bowing slightly as it hands you a coupon.

Using this phrase is like following a simple recipe. You need the word avail, followed by the word of, and then the thing you are using. For example, avail of the offer. You can also use it with "myself," "yourself," or "himself"—this is called the reflexive form. You might say, "I will avail myself of the opportunity." It sounds very posh, doesn't it? Make sure you always keep that of nearby! Without it, the sentence falls apart like a cheap umbrella in a storm. You use it when a service is provided for your benefit. If the office offers free coffee, you avail of the coffee. If Netflix gives a free month, you avail of the trial. It is a proactive verb. You have to be the one to step forward and take the prize. It’s the linguistic equivalent of "don't mind if I do!"

Imagine you are scrolling through a travel app like Expedia. You see a tiny note: "Travelers can avail of free airport transfers." That is your cue to save some money! Or perhaps you are in a Zoom meeting. Your boss says, "Please avail of the training materials on the portal." They aren't just suggesting it; they are telling you the tools are there for your success. On social media, you might see an influencer post, "Make sure to avail of my discount code before it expires!" It’s everywhere in the world of customer service. Even in a casual WhatsApp group, an Irish friend might ask, "Did you avail of the good weather today?" It’s a versatile little phrase that bridges the gap between a business suit and a raincoat. It’s the "Swiss Army Knife" of formal invitations.

Reach for this phrase when you are in a professional or formal environment. It is perfect for business emails where you want to sound helpful but professional. Use it when explaining benefits to a client or a customer. It is also great for official documents, brochures, and website FAQs. If you are writing a cover letter, saying you would like to "avail of the chance to discuss my skills" sounds very determined. It works well in academic writing too. Whenever there is a sense of a "provided benefit," this is your go-to phrase. It adds a layer of politeness that "use" or "take" just can't match. It’s like the difference between saying "Eat" and "Please join us for dinner." It sets a tone of mutual respect and clear communication.

Do not use this phrase when you are hanging out with friends at a dive bar. If you say, "I shall avail of this plate of fries," your friends will probably laugh at you for the next hour. It is way too stiff for casual, everyday situations. Also, avoid using it when there is no clear benefit or service being offered. You don't avail of a pencil you found on the floor. You just pick it up! Don't use it for negative things either. You wouldn't "avail of a tragedy." That would be very weird and slightly dark. Keep it for the good stuff—discounts, services, and opportunities. If the situation feels like a "hoodie and sneakers" moment, leave avail of in the closet. Use "use" or "grab" instead to keep the vibe chill.

The most common mistake is forgetting the word of. People often say,

✗ I want to avail the discount.

✓ I want to avail of the discount.

Another big one is using "from" instead of "of."

✗ You can avail from the service.

✓ You can avail of the service.

Sometimes people get confused with the reflexive version. They might say, "I availed the opportunity" when they should say, "I availed myself of the opportunity." It’s a bit like trying to put a key in the wrong lock—it just won't turn. Another error is using it for things that aren't actually available. You can't avail of something that doesn't exist yet! Lastly, don't over-formalize it. There's no need to say "I shall graciously avail of the water fountain." Just drink the water, my friend. Simplicity is still a virtue, even with fancy phrases.

If avail of feels a bit too "office-ready" for you, there are plenty of alternatives. "Take advantage of" is the most common one. It means the exact same thing but feels a bit more natural in conversation. "Make use of" is another great all-rounder. It is neutral and works in almost any situation. If you want to be more active, you can say "grab" or "seize." For example, "Seize the opportunity!" sounds like something from an inspiring movie. "Utilize" is another formal word, but it's more about using a tool effectively than accepting a benefit. Think of avail of as the polite invitation, while "take advantage of" is the actual act of doing it. They are all part of the same happy, useful family.

Is avail of only for business? No, but it is much more common there. You'll see it in apps and emails most often. Is it the same as "take advantage of"? Yes, but "take advantage of" can sometimes sound a bit negative (like you are being greedy), whereas avail of is always polite. Can I use it in American English? Yes, but Americans use it less often than people in Ireland, India, or the Philippines. Do I need to use "myself"? No, avail of the offer is perfectly fine and actually more common in modern writing. Why does it sound so fancy? Because of its French and Latin roots! It’s literally built from words that mean "value" and "worth." So, go ahead and sound expensive!