a useful word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a useful word" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a word that has practical significance or application in a particular context. Example: "In this discussion, 'collaboration' is a useful word that encapsulates the essence of teamwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The ultimate problem is not that people are saying 'chav': it's that it is a useful word for them to use in the first place".

Vice

This is a useful word to memorize because it's used across the whole Spanish-speaking world.

WikiHow

Securocrat — a useful word.

The New Yorker

There's a useful word for these times.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Audience", finally, is a useful word to bear in mind.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(Had I not read Plato's Protagoras?) A useful word.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Since they lived in New York City and were not about to go dig a hole in Central Park, it didnt seem like a particularly useful word, but you never know.

The New Yorker

I think that's a very useful word.

The Guardian - Books

(Also, word fans, it's the same stem as an extremely useful word, tmesis: the act of inserting an emphasis in the middle of another word, as in "fan-bloody-tastic").

The Guardian - Opinion

Eg: "Despite the operatic resonance of its last act …" 6. Toplining Means "starring", which was a perfectly fine and useful word before some jackass decided to fix what wasn't broken.

The Guardian - Film

It's with the understanding that feminist is not a safe, happy, or useful word for all people -- not despite it -- that I choose to use it to describe myself and my work.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a word as "a useful word", clearly state the context or reason why it is useful to provide clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid vaguely labeling words as "a useful word" without explaining their utility. Always provide context or reasoning to support your claim, otherwise, the statement lacks informative value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a useful word" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun "word". As noted by Ludwig AI, it highlights the practicality or value of a particular word in a given context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a useful word" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a word that is practical, effective, or advantageous in a particular context. As Ludwig AI pointed out, this phrase appears frequently in news and media sources, indicating its widespread use in neutral registers. When using this phrase, remember to provide context or reasoning to support why the word is useful. Alternatives include phrases such as "a helpful term" or "a practical term", depending on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a helpful term

Emphasizes the supportive or assistive quality of the word.

a valuable expression

Highlights the worth or importance of the word.

a practical term

Focuses on the word's applicability and usefulness in real-world situations.

a convenient phrase

Stresses the ease and handiness of using the word.

a beneficial term

Indicates that using the word provides some advantage or gain.

an advantageous word

Highlights the favorable or positive aspects of using the word.

an essential term

Implies that the word is crucial or necessary in a specific context.

a key phrase

Suggests the word is important for understanding or communication.

a relevant word

Focuses on the word's pertinence or applicability to a particular topic.

a significant expression

Emphasizes the importance or meaningfulness of the word.

FAQs

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

You can use "a useful word" to describe a term that is helpful or effective in a particular context. For example, "In project management, 'synergy' is "a useful word" to describe the benefits of teamwork."

What are some alternatives to "a useful word"?

Alternatives include "a helpful term", "a valuable expression", or "a practical term" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "useful word" or "helpful word"?

Both "useful word" and "helpful word" are acceptable. "Useful" emphasizes practicality and effectiveness, while "helpful" highlights the supportive aspect of the word. The choice depends on the context.

Can I use "a useful word" to describe jargon?

Yes, you can, but be mindful of your audience. If jargon simplifies communication within a specific group but is confusing to outsiders, you might describe it as "a useful word" within that context, but clarify its limitations.