are generally useful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are generally useful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is typically beneficial or helpful in a broad context. Example: "These tools are generally useful for improving productivity in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The numerical methods used to give corrected results are generally useful for flow situations where the projections of the streamlines on the channel cross-section are closed curves.

Chemical Engineering Science

Finally, regardless of the deviations which the commercial software packages displayed, it can be considered that the results are generally useful and that their features and ease of use makes them a vital tool for planning and quickly assessing the performance of a PV installation.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

General linear mixed models (GLMM) (Baayen 2008) are generally useful for data of this sort, because the identity of individuals can be treated as random-effects parameters.

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology

Oxidizing acid mixtures are generally useful dissolution media for many inorganic samples.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The single largest chunk, about $31 billion, went to renew expiring tax breaks that are generally useful but unrelated to jobs.

The New York Times

"The individual, therefore, can be confidently recommended always to conform to rules which are generally useful and generally practiced".

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

I question whether Q' R is generally useful for choosing which community partition to use.

F1000Research

This includes: I question whether Q' R is generally useful for choosing which community partition to use.

F1000Research

A database focused on archaeal metabolic pathways is an interesting alternative, although a database just for purines strikes us a bit too specialized to be generally useful.

Biology Direct

There are a few free programs that I install on most PCs because they're generally useful.

The Guardian - Tech

Whilst the standfirst is good for SEO and is generally useful, this text is not as compelling as the actual video.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are generally useful", ensure the context clearly defines who or what benefits from the usefulness. Clarity enhances the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "are generally useful" without specific context. Vague statements weaken the argument. Instead, provide examples or specific scenarios to demonstrate the usefulness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are generally useful" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's quality of being beneficial in most situations. It indicates that the subject is typically advantageous or helpful, aligning with Ludwig's examples showcasing varied applications across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are generally useful" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something beneficial across various contexts. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase appears frequently in scientific and news media, reflecting its wide applicability. While the phrase is generally accepted, it is vital to provide specific context to avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives like "are typically helpful" or "are usually beneficial" may be suitable depending on the desired nuance. Using this phrase effectively requires balancing broad applicability with specific examples to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are typically beneficial

Replaces "useful" with "beneficial", focusing on the positive outcomes or advantages.

are usually helpful

Replaces "generally" with "usually" and "useful" with "helpful", indicating a common positive impact.

are commonly advantageous

Substitutes "generally" with "commonly" and "useful" with "advantageous", highlighting the frequent benefits.

are broadly applicable

Focuses on the wide range of situations in which something can be used, replacing "useful" with "applicable".

are widely practical

Replaces "generally" with "widely" and "useful" with "practical", emphasizing real-world application.

are consistently valuable

Emphasizes the continuous and important nature of the benefits provided, replacing "useful" with "valuable".

are often effective

Changes the focus to effectiveness, implying that something produces the desired result in many cases.

are regularly employed

Shifts the emphasis to the frequency of use, implying that something is valuable enough to be used often.

are frequently utilized

Similar to "regularly employed" but uses more formal language, suggesting a high degree of practicality.

are normally operative

Indicates that something typically functions as expected and produces results.

FAQs

How can I use "are generally useful" in a sentence?

You can use "are generally useful" to describe tools, methods, or concepts that provide benefits in many situations. For instance, "These techniques are generally useful for data analysis."

What are some alternatives to "are generally useful"?

Alternatives include "are typically helpful", "are usually beneficial", or "are commonly advantageous" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "are generally useful" or "are always useful"?

"Are generally useful" is often a more accurate statement because it acknowledges that something might not be useful in every single situation. "Are always useful" implies universal applicability, which is rarely the case.

What's the difference between "are generally useful" and "are particularly useful"?

"Are generally useful" implies a broad range of applications, while "are particularly useful" suggests that something is especially effective in specific situations. "Are particularly useful" highlights specialized utility.