Among the many theoretical reversals which give Eugenio Coseriu’s thought its originality and relevance is the idea that “the activity of speaking is not limited to putting language to use, but it surpasses it, since to know is to constantly go beyond what we already know”. From this perspective, the activity of speaking is therefore perceived as more complex than the language it employs, since it “continually increases, modifies and re-creates the knowledge on which it is based”. To this emphasis on the creative aspect of speaking activity, Coseriu adds that linguistic change must not be treated as a causal problem, but rather we should question “how” and for “what purpose” this change is taking place. The aim of this communication will be to evaluate how Coseriu’s conception of linguistic change may have influenced the usage-based approaches that emerged at the end of the 20th century. This study will then allow us to establish the theoretical modifications that have resulted from the real recognition that languages are “systems used to create”.