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Use” and “usage” overlap somewhat, but they are not entirely synonymous. The term usage means traditional or customary practice and refers to conventions, most often to those of language. Thus, "English usage" or "German usage" refers to the conventions of those languages, respectively. (Any questions involving English usage?)
When we refer to "word usage," we mean the conventions for using words; when we refer to "use of words," we mean only "the employment of words", "the act of using.":
"This book describes the principles of word usage."
"He is noted for his frequent use of wrong words." People frequently use usage when they should use use. The noun usage should not be substituted for use when the meaning is "the employment of" – even if you think it sounds more "sophisticated." It is not correct to say that "the wise *usage of computers saved the company money" or "*usage of insulation can save fuel." In both instances, use is the appropriate word. Use and Usage are two words that are often confused and hence, are interchanged. It is not correct to interchange them since they are different in their meanings.
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