be a helpful utility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a helpful utility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a tool, service, or feature that provides assistance or support in a specific context. Example: "The new software update aims to be a helpful utility for users looking to streamline their workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The larger vehicles also be a helpful utility for moving big groups of people or cargo.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It can be a helpful list.

The New Yorker

Be a helpful student.

WikiHow

The "apropos" utility is a helpful tool for finding the proper utility or application that opens a particular file type.

Columbia University

Responsiveness is a helpful watchword.

The New York Times - Health

Here's a helpful device for them.

The New York Times

"It was a helpful wicket.

BBC

This is a helpful sign.

Cancer Imaging

This is a helpful starting tool.

WikiHow

Be a courteous, helpful, and forgiving leader.

WikiHow

"This is a critical utility".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If your aim is to emphasize the practical application of a concept, replace "be a helpful utility" with a phrase that highlights usefulness, such as "offer practical support".

Common error

Avoid using "be a helpful utility" in casual conversation. It can sound overly formal. Simpler phrases like "be helpful" or "be of assistance" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a helpful utility" functions as a predicate nominative, where "utility" renames or identifies the subject. This is derived from Ludwig, which suggests that it's used to describe something providing a beneficial function or assistance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

20%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be a helpful utility" describes something providing a beneficial function, often a tool or service. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's grammatically correct but relatively rare, leaning towards a professional or technical register. While "be a helpful utility" is understandable, consider alternatives like "serve as a useful tool" or "act as a beneficial resource" for better clarity and naturalness, especially in informal contexts. The frequency of use is low, but when used, it appears in a mix of contexts including news, wikis, academia and science, as confirmed by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as a useful tool

Replaces "be a helpful utility" with a focus on the instrumental aspect, emphasizing practicality and function.

act as a beneficial resource

Shifts from "utility" to "resource", highlighting the support and aid provided.

provide valuable assistance

Emphasizes the act of providing help rather than the inherent quality of being helpful.

offer practical support

Focuses on the tangible, hands-on nature of the assistance.

be a significant advantage

Highlights the benefit as a competitive edge or improvement.

prove to be advantageous

Similar to "be a significant advantage" but with a focus on the outcome.

contribute positively

Focuses on the impact and outcome of the helpful entity.

be instrumentally supportive

Highlights the supportive role and functionality.

function as an aid

Uses "aid" to emphasize assistance.

become a source of help

Shifts the focus to becoming a provider of assistance.

FAQs

How can I use "be a helpful utility" in a sentence?

You can use "be a helpful utility" to describe something that provides assistance or support. For example, "The new software update aims to be a helpful utility for users."

What are some alternatives to "be a helpful utility"?

Alternatives include "serve as a useful tool", "act as a beneficial resource", or "provide valuable assistance".

Is "be a helpful utility" formal or informal?

The phrase leans towards the formal side. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "be helpful" or "be of assistance" might be more suitable.

When is it appropriate to use "be a helpful utility"?

It's appropriate when describing tools, services, or features designed to provide specific assistance, particularly in technical or professional settings. Ensure you are not speaking to a person, as it does not work in that case.