a very useful device

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very useful device" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an object or tool that provides significant benefits or functionality. Example: "The new software update includes a very useful device that enhances user experience and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"The building has become a very useful device to lure students in and give them an enthusiasm about learning".

The New York Times - Arts

The constructed structure is found to be a very useful device in chemical analysis.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

Hence, our results suggest that qualitative survey data may not be a very useful device for obtaining quantitative forecasts, and we suggest ways to remedy this problem when designing qualitative surveys.

International Journal of Forecasting

It's possible that the REDFLY might just be ahead of its time and would be a very useful device once everyone's entire life resides on an ultra-powerful cell phone.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I've drawn him naked many times and that might be something to do with it (I met someone once who had actually painted young Blair in the nude when they were at university together) but this is not really a very useful cartoon device.

The Guardian

Doubly-curved crystals (DCCs) can be very useful devices to focus and monochromatize radiation from an X-ray tube or a synchrotron, especially for X-ray fluorescence analysis.

Spectrochimica Acta Part B: Atomic Spectroscopy

Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are very useful devices for the development of real-time systems, due to their flexibility, performance and reduced design costs.

Microelectronics Reliability

"There will be a modicum of pick-up, especially for people trying to develop for Android it could be a very useful low-cost device to have," said Chris Green, principal technology analyst at the Davies Murphy Group consultancy.

BBC

Integral inequalities that give explicit bounds on unknown functions provide a very useful and important device in the study of many qualitative as well as quantitative properties of solutions of partial differential equations, integral equations, and integrodifferential equation.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

The main application of the integral inequalities is that they provide an explicit bounds of the unknown functions, which are a very useful and important device in the study of many qualitative as well as quantitative properties of solutions of nonlinear differential equations.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

In the case of cold dc plasma with Maxwellian distribution, Langmuir probe (LP) is a very useful and trustable convenient device for measuring the local plasma parameter.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a device, follow "a very useful device" with specific details about its features and the benefits it provides to the user. This helps to illustrate exactly why the device is considered useful.

Common error

Avoid generically labeling something as "a very useful device" without explaining its specific utility or providing examples of how it can be used effectively. This can come off as vague and unconvincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very useful device" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It serves to identify and characterize a specific item or tool, emphasizing its utility and practical value. Ludwig provides examples showing how this phrase is employed in various contexts to highlight the benefits of particular devices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very useful device" is a descriptive noun phrase that effectively highlights the utility and practicality of a particular device. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, including science, news, and business. While alternatives like "an extremely helpful tool" or "a highly beneficial gadget" exist, "a very useful device" remains a straightforward and effective way to convey the value of a device, and it is found to be a common expression. It's important to provide specific details about the device's features and benefits to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extremely helpful tool

Emphasizes the helpfulness of the device, intensifying its utility.

a highly beneficial gadget

Highlights the positive benefits and suggests a compact, often innovative device.

a valuable asset

Focuses on the worth and importance of the device as a resource.

an indispensable instrument

Stresses the necessity and crucial role of the device.

a practical contrivance

Highlights the device's ingenuity and practicality in solving a problem.

a serviceable implement

Indicates that the device is reliable and effective for its intended purpose.

a functional apparatus

Emphasizes the device's operational capabilities and design.

a handy mechanism

Suggests the device is convenient and easy to use.

an efficient appliance

Focuses on the device's ability to perform tasks effectively with minimal waste.

a productive aid

Highlights the device's contribution to increasing output or achieving goals.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a very useful device" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "an indispensable instrument", "a highly beneficial gadget", or "a valuable asset". These phrases convey a similar meaning but with increased sophistication.

What are some synonyms for "useful" that I can use with "device"?

You can replace "useful" with words like "helpful", "practical", "valuable", or "serviceable" to add variety to your writing.

In what contexts is it appropriate to describe something as "a very useful device"?

This phrase is appropriate in various contexts, including scientific reports, news articles, and technical manuals, where you need to describe the utility and functionality of a particular tool or technology. Using it to describe an abstract concept is possible, but might not be adequate.

Is there a difference between "a useful device" and "a very useful device"?

Yes, "a very useful device" implies a higher degree of utility and effectiveness compared to simply "a useful device". The addition of "very" intensifies the adjective, suggesting that the device is particularly helpful or advantageous.