a useful thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a useful thing' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that is helpful or beneficial. For example, "Having a reliable car is a useful thing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A form is a useful thing to use.

The New Yorker

A3: BM essentially …because it was a money making exercise … I mean it's useful for us because care plans are a useful thing.

BMC Family Practice

It isn't a useful thing.

The New Yorker

Hindsight is a useful thing here.

The Guardian - Sport

Mischief can be a useful thing for a democracy.

The New Yorker

A script can be a useful thing, of course.

The Guardian - Film

He believed them; it was a useful thing to believe.

The Guardian - Books

But it was a useful thing to defer to.

The Guardian - Film

This may or may not prove a useful thing to know on certain Saturday nights.

The New Yorker

And I found it to be a useful thing for me.

The New York Times

RB I think it's probably going to be a useful thing in and of itself.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a useful thing", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the subject useful. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a useful thing" as a generic placeholder. Replace it with more descriptive language that specifies the benefit or purpose, making your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a useful thing" functions as a nominal phrase, acting as a subject complement or object, to denote something beneficial or advantageous. Ludwig examples confirm this, demonstrating its adaptability in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a useful thing" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something beneficial or advantageous. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, specificity enhances its impact; avoid overuse in vague contexts and aim for precise language to convey the exact benefit. Consider alternatives like "a valuable asset" or "a helpful resource" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant benefit

Stresses the degree of advantage conferred.

a valuable asset

Highlights the worth and importance of the subject.

a positive attribute

Highlights a characteristic that is beneficial.

a helpful resource

Emphasizes the supportive nature of the subject.

a key element

Emphasizes the importance of being essential or fundamental.

an advantage

Focuses on the competitive edge provided.

a practical solution

Stresses the problem-solving aspect.

a worthwhile endeavor

Emphasizes the value and significance of the activity.

a strategic tool

Implies a deliberate and calculated use.

a boon

Suggests a great benefit or blessing.

FAQs

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

You can use "a useful thing" to describe something that provides a benefit or advantage. For example, "Having a good understanding of grammar is "a useful thing" when writing."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a valuable asset", "a helpful resource", or "an advantage".

Is it better to be specific instead of just saying "a useful thing"?

Yes, being specific about why something is useful can make your writing clearer and more impactful. Instead of saying "Technology is "a useful thing"", specify the benefit: "Technology provides efficient communication and data analysis."

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a useful thing"?

The phrase "a useful thing" is suitable when you want to generally highlight the benefit or helpfulness of something without going into specific details. However, consider if a more precise description would enhance your message.