are worthless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are worthless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something has no value or is not worth anything. Example: "Many people believe that these old coins are worthless, but some collectors might disagree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You are worthless!

The New Yorker

"They are worthless".

The New York Times

Their deeds are worthless.

The New York Times

An astonishing number are worthless.

The Economist

Nearly all slugs are worthless.

The New Yorker

Digital platforms are worthless without content.

The New York Times

"Things are worthless," he told me.

The New Yorker

Special they are: They are worthless.

The Washington Post

"I feel like we are worthless.

The Guardian

"These votes are worthless," Martin Nbangema shouted.

The New York Times

Depressive people generally believe they are worthless.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are worthless" to describe someone's feelings, ensure the context is sensitive and avoids causing offense. Consider rephrasing to soften the impact, such as saying something 'lacks value' instead of directly labeling it "are worthless".

Common error

While "are worthless" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "are inconsequential" or "hold no value" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are worthless" functions primarily as a predicate adjective. It attributes a quality (worthlessness) to the subject of the sentence. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples where this phrase is used to describe the state or condition of something, aligning with its adjectival role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are worthless" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a lack of value or importance. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Analysis of its usage reveals that it frequently appears in news and media contexts, as well as in more informal writing. While "are worthless" is widely understood, it’s essential to consider the register and choose more formal alternatives in certain professional or academic settings. Consider using alternatives like "have no value", "are insignificant" or "are meaningless" to add nuance and sophistication to your writing. Remember to be mindful of the potential impact when describing someone's feelings. Ludwig examples show the phrase is well-established across multiple sources and contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have no value

Focuses on the absence of monetary or practical worth.

hold no worth

Emphasizes the lack of inherent merit or importance.

are of no use

Highlights the lack of utility or practical application.

are inconsequential

Stresses the lack of significance or impact.

are insignificant

Focuses on the lack of importance or size.

are meaningless

Highlights the lack of purpose or sense.

are unimportant

Emphasizes the lack of relevance or consequence.

are pointless

Highlights the lack of purpose or reason.

are fruitless

Emphasizes the lack of positive results or outcomes.

serve no purpose

Focuses on the absence of a useful function.

FAQs

How can I use "are worthless" in a sentence?

You can use "are worthless" to describe items, ideas, or efforts that have no value or significance. For example, "Without proper funding, the research efforts "are worthless"."

What can I say instead of "are worthless"?

You can use alternatives like "have no value", "are meaningless", or "are insignificant depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are worthless" or "is worthless"?

"Are worthless" is used with plural nouns or pronouns, while "is worthless" is used with singular nouns or pronouns. For example, "These coins are worthless" versus "This coin is worthless."

What's the difference between "are worthless" and "are invaluable"?

"Are worthless" means something has no value, while "are invaluable" means something is extremely valuable or precious. They are antonyms.