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How to Resolve Error "CS0118: 'name' is a 'construct1' but is used like a 'construct2'" in C#

The Compiler Error CS0118 is a Semantic Mismatch error. For example, the message could state: " 'Name' is a 'namespace' (or type) but is used like a 'variable' (or type)."

C# distinguishes strictly between different kinds of constructs (Namespaces, Types, Methods, Variables, and Properties). This error occurs when you try to perform an operation on a symbol that is syntactically invalid for what that symbol actually represents. For example, you cannot "assign a value" to a Class name, nor can you "instantiate" a Namespace.

This guide explains the common mix-ups that trigger this error and how to correct your syntax.

Understanding Construct Mismatches​

The compiler knows exactly what every name in your code represents.

  • System is a namespace.
  • String is a type (class).
  • x might be a variable.

If you write System = 5;, the compiler complains: " 'System' is a 'namespace' but is used like a 'variable' ". You are trying to put data into a container that isn't designed to hold data.

Scenario 1: Using a Type like a Variable​

This is the most common occurrence. It happens when you try to assign a value to a Class Name instead of a specific instance (object) of that class.

Example of error​

You have a class named HtmlText, and you try to assign a string to it directly, confusing the Class definition with a Variable.

public class HtmlText
{
    public string Content { get; set; }
}

public class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // ⛔️ Error CS0118: 'HtmlText' is a 'type' but is used like a 'variable'
        // You cannot assign a string to the Class definition itself.
        HtmlText = "<div>Hello</div>"; 
    }
}

Solution: Create an Instance​

You must create a variable (an instance) of that type, and then assign the value to a property of that variable.

public class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // ✅ Correct: Create an object 'myText' of type 'HtmlText'
        HtmlText myText = new HtmlText();
        
        // Assign value to the object's property
        myText.Content = "<div>Hello</div>";
    }
}

Scenario 2: Using a Namespace like a Type​

This occurs when you try to create an object using new, but the name you provide is a Namespace, not a Class.

Example of error​

// Defined namespace
namespace MyHelpers.Math
{
    public class Calculator { }
}

public class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // ⛔️ Error CS0118: 'MyHelpers.Math' is a 'namespace' but is used like a 'type'
        // You cannot create an instance of a namespace.
        var math = new MyHelpers.Math(); 
    }
}

Solution: Instantiate the Class​

You must refer to the specific class inside the namespace.

public class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // ✅ Correct: Instantiate the 'Calculator' class found inside the namespace
        var calc = new MyHelpers.Math.Calculator();
    }
}

Scenario 3: Using a Method like a Type​

This often happens when casting. You try to cast a variable using (MethodName) instead of (TypeName).

Example of error​

public class Converter
{
    public int ToInt() => 0;

    public void Run()
    {
        double d = 10.5;

        // ⛔️ Error CS0118: 'ToInt' is a 'method' but is used like a 'type'
        // Parentheses usually mean 'Call Method' OR 'Cast'. 
        // Here, the syntax implies a Cast, but 'ToInt' is not a data type.
        int i = (ToInt)d; 
    }
}

Solution: Fix the Syntax​

If you meant to call the method, use standard method call syntax. If you meant to cast, use the actual type name.

public class Converter
{
    public void Run()
    {
        double d = 10.5;

        // ✅ Correct: Standard cast to a Type (int)
        int i = (int)d;
    }
}
note

Tip: If you see the message "'X' is a 'property' but is used like a 'method'", check if you accidentally added parentheses () to a property access: obj.Name() instead of obj.Name.

Conclusion​

CS0118 is a categorization error. The compiler is telling you that you are holding the wrong tool for the job.

  1. Read the Error: Identify what the symbol is (e.g., namespace) and how you used it (e.g., type).
  2. Check Variable Names: Did you name a variable the same as a class? This can cause the compiler to resolve the Class name when you meant the Variable.
  3. Check Instantiation: Ensure you are new-ing up a Class, not a namespace.
  4. Check Assignment: Ensure you are assigning to a Variable, not a Class definition.

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