a useful move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a useful move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a decision or action that is beneficial or advantageous in a particular context. Example: "Implementing a flexible work schedule was a useful move that improved employee satisfaction and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This is a useful move".

The Guardian

White has a useful move on the kingside: 1 g5.

The Guardian - Sport

The appointment of the irascible Kitchener, who saw journalists as at best a necessary evil, was probably not a useful move.

The Guardian - Books

Touching an app in this state forces it to shut down, a useful move if you have an app that is running in the background and causing trouble.

The New York Times - Tech

A useful move would be to make a greater effort to extinguish some of the fires of radicalism, such as the conflicts over Palestine and Kashmir.

The Economist

Unclear what to do next, she went on to train as an accountant within the family firm – a useful move, she reflects, though the work was "dry" and she hated it.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

(This is also a very useful move. Learn it and use it).

WikiHow

We believe the UK parliamentary system can provide a useful model in moving away from our previous "presidential monarchy".

The Guardian - Opinion

17... Rowsonowsonoteses that this is a useful waiting move, covering e7, which needs protection in some lines, and possibly supporting an eventual...e5 (see Black's twenty-second move).

Wikipedia

Once the first end has picked up so much dirt that it's no longer useful, move on to the other end.

WikiHow

But having brushed off the hay, dust and chicken feathers, I found that Constantin's Gypsy uncles had since stripped it of all of its useful moving parts to use to repair their carts.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a decision, consider the specific type of benefit derived from the "a useful move". Is it strategic, practical, or simply helpful? Choosing a more specific adjective can strengthen your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a useful move" as a catch-all phrase. If an action is strategic, innovative, or critical, use those more descriptive adjectives instead. Overuse of generic terms weakens the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a useful move" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "useful" modifies the noun "move". Ludwig confirms it is grammatically correct, suggesting it commonly acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a useful move" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe a helpful or beneficial action or decision. Ludwig AI classifies it as correct and usable in written English. Although it's relatively uncommon, it appears across diverse contexts like news, wiki articles and scientific publications. To enhance your writing, consider more specific adjectives that capture the nuances of the action's benefits and be mindful of overuse to maintain impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a beneficial action

Focuses on the positive result or benefit of the action, rather than just its utility.

a helpful step

Emphasizes the assistance provided by the action, portraying it as supportive and aiding progress.

a smart decision

Highlights the intelligence or strategic thinking behind the action.

a strategic maneuver

Suggests a planned and calculated action aimed at achieving a specific goal.

an advantageous tactic

Similar to 'strategic maneuver' but emphasizes the gain or benefit derived from the tactic.

a practical solution

Indicates that the action solves a problem in a realistic and effective way.

a valuable measure

Focuses on the worth or importance of the action taken.

an effective strategy

Highlights the success and efficiency of the approach.

a productive step

Emphasizes the positive outcome and advancement resulting from the action.

a worthwhile endeavor

Suggests the action is valuable and merits the effort invested in it.

FAQs

How can I use "a useful move" in a sentence?

You can use "a useful move" to describe an action or decision that is beneficial or advantageous in a particular situation. For example, "Implementing a new training program was "a useful move" to improve employee skills".

What are some alternatives to saying "a useful move"?

Alternatives include "a beneficial action", "a helpful step", or "a smart decision", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "a useful move" and "a strategic move"?

"A useful move" generally implies that the action is helpful or beneficial. "A strategic move", on the other hand, suggests that the action is carefully planned to achieve a specific goal or advantage. So, "a strategic maneuver" goes more in depth than just being useful.

When is it more appropriate to use "a practical solution" instead of "a useful move"?

Use "a practical solution" when the action directly addresses a specific problem in a realistic and effective way. While "a useful move" might simply be helpful, "a practical solution" emphasizes problem-solving.