Write with concise rather than vague (seem) or inaccurate (display, exhibit, portray) verbs. Always revise "use" (or "utilize," or any other substitute such as "employ") - the concise subject of the sentence usually follows "use."

Example (wordy):  Molière uses sarcasm to ridicule hypocrites.

Revision (concise):  Molière's sarcasm ridicules hypocrites. or Molière ridicules hypocrites


Example 2 (wordy):  Lu Xun uses the descriptions of wild grass as a metaphor to describe the common human condition of all humanity.

Revision (concise):  Lu Xun's descriptions of wild grass symbolize the common condition of all humanity.