Avail
The word, "avail", is used in several contexts. More often than not, you will find it in the phrase, "avail oneself of" (take advantage of something; make use of something).
For example,
a. We availed ourselves of the opportunity to buy tickets for tonight's performance.
b. They availed themselves of the new insurance schemes.
c. He did not avail himself of her advice.
Marketing agencies often use "avail" to attract a lot of attention. I am sure that you have seen the following sentences (or something similar in type).
d. AVAIL THIS OFFER RIGHT NOW!
e. AVAIL DISCOUNTS ON ALL THE PRODUCTS! ORDER NOW!
As you can see, the phrase, "avail oneself of", is not used in the preceding two sentences. These sentences are used in advertisements (where the message is more important than its grammatical accuracy). In addition, the phrase, "avail oneself of" takes more space than the verb, "avail". Maybe, someday, we would use "avail" as a verb in the same manner everywhere.
Just remember that we use the phrase, "avail oneself of" whenever we use "avail" as a verb. If you look it up in a dictionary, you will assuredly find other uses of the verb, "avail". But these uses are either literary or archaic. I am not going to mention them here.
You will also find "avail" in the phrases, "of no avail", "to no avail" and "of little avail". Here, the word, "avail" (n.), means "use or benefit".
Let's use these phrases in a few sentences.
f. The defenders tried to stop Maradona, but to no avail.
g. Their attempts at contacting the Director have been of no avail.
h. Sanskrit is of little avail in the practical affairs of life.
Synonyms of These Three Phrases: fruitlessly, to no purpose, unsuccessfully, in vain
Tags: English Lesson, GRE, IELTS, TOEFL
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