an useful technique

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an useful technique" is not correct in written English.
The correct form is "a useful technique" because "useful" begins with a consonant sound. Example: "Learning to code is a useful technique for problem-solving in today's digital world."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Electrospinning is an useful technique to produce nanofiber webs.

Electrochimica Acta

It is shown that cyclic thermogravimetry is an useful technique for quantifying the oxidation resistance of an industrial alloy.

Acta Materialia

Though system performance is optimized by many different techniques, however, intelligent system design is an useful technique to optimize the efficiency of such systems.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

The maximum entropy principle constrained by probability weighted moments is an useful technique for unbiasedly and efficiently estimating the quantile function of a random variable from a sample of complete observations.

Probabilistic Engineering Mechanics

The obtained results allow to know the variables that clearly influence the process and also show the interest of CC-SFE as an useful technique to obtain high-value concentrated brandy aroma extracts.

The Journal of Supercritical Fluids

In addition to classical protocols to test biodegradation of materials, the experiments by real composting process of this work followed by the analytical characterization of residues appear as an useful technique to elucidate the molecular properties of starch-based polymers, and to highlight that the composting process is a viable way to recycle the residues of biodegradable materials.

Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Nanophotocatalysis has been widely used as a useful technique in environmental cleaning [1].

Nanoscale Research Letters

Mercury porosimetry cannot be used to investigate micropores, but is a useful technique for an investigation of mesopores and macropores.

Chemistry Central Journal

Pix4D's "Sequoia" camera collects light in a variety of complementary wavelengths — a useful technique called multispectral imaging — while also building a detailed 3D point cloud using LIDAR.

TechCrunch

It is, however, a useful technique for a chief financial officer looking to trumpet better results at the top of an earnings release.

The New York Times

In conclusion, MRS is a useful technique as a biomarker in early AD, as it predicts early conversion to dementia.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "a" before words starting with a consonant sound, and "an" before words starting with a vowel sound. Therefore, the correct phrase is "a useful technique".

Common error

Avoid using "an" before words that begin with a consonant sound, even if the first letter is a vowel. While "useful" starts with the vowel 'u', it has a consonant sound ('yu'). Therefore, use "a useful technique" instead of "an useful technique".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an useful technique" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object. It aims to describe a method or approach that provides assistance or benefit. However, Ludwig AI identifies a grammatical error: the article should be "a" not "an".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an useful technique" intends to describe a helpful method, but it's grammatically incorrect. According to Ludwig AI, the correct phrasing is "a useful technique" because "useful" begins with a consonant sound. Though examples exist across scientific and news sources, the grammatical error impacts its overall quality. For clearer and more effective communication, remember to use "a" before consonant sounds and "an" before vowel sounds. Alternative phrases like "a helpful technique" or "a valuable method" offer similar meanings while adhering to proper grammar.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a helpful technique

Replaces "an useful" with the grammatically correct "a helpful", maintaining the same meaning.

a valuable method

Substitutes both the adjective and noun while retaining the core concept of a beneficial approach.

a practical approach

Emphasizes the real-world applicability of the technique.

an effective strategy

Shifts from 'technique' to 'strategy', highlighting a plan to achieve a specific goal, and replacing "an useful" with the grammatically correct "an effective".

a useful strategy

Substitutes 'technique' with 'strategy', which refers to a plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim, and replacing "an useful" with the grammatically correct "a useful".

a beneficial practice

Replaces 'technique' with 'practice', which refers to the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method as opposed to theories relating to it, and replacing "an useful" with the grammatically correct "a beneficial".

a handy trick

Offers a more informal and concise alternative, suggesting a clever way to do something.

a convenient tool

Highlights the ease of use associated with the technique, replacing "an useful" with the grammatically correct "a convenient".

a powerful instrument

Emphasizes the potential impact and effectiveness of the technique, replacing "an useful" with the grammatically correct "a powerful".

an important skill

Focuses on the expertise or ability gained through the technique, replacing "an useful" with the grammatically correct "an important".

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "an useful technique"?

The grammatically correct way to phrase this is "a useful technique". The indefinite article "a" should be used before words that begin with a consonant sound, even when the first letter is a vowel. The word "useful" begins with a consonant sound.

Are there other ways to say "an useful technique"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "a helpful technique", "a valuable method", or "a practical approach" to convey a similar meaning. Remember to use the correct article.

When should I use "a" versus "an"?

Use "a" before words starting with a consonant sound (e.g., "a car", "a useful tool"). Use "an" before words starting with a vowel sound (e.g., "an apple", "an important update"). It's about the sound, not the letter itself.

Why is "an useful technique" considered grammatically incorrect?

While "useful" begins with a vowel letter, it starts with a consonant sound ('yu'). The rule is to use "a" before consonant sounds and "an" before vowel sounds. That's why "a useful technique" is the correct phrasing.