be of little value

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be of little value" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing something that has a low worth or importance. For example, "Although the antique vase was rare, it was of little value due to its chips and cracks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The stock will be of little value after December 25.

Harvard Business Review

Ditto Mr Cameron, whose Scottish name may be of little value in the "battle for Britain".

Independent

Having a larger library will be of little value to the community if students lack reading skills".

The New York Times

The record, of course, would be of little value if it became merely the work of play-writes and photographers.

The New Yorker

But a Rand Corporation study estimated that one-third or more of the care that patients in this country receive could be of little value.

The New York Times

Next to chess (even for the patzer), and next to philosophy (even for the young sophist), experience seems to be of little value.

The New Yorker

It presents the evidence to show that any kind of one-size-fits-all regime is likely to be of little value.

The Guardian

The Volcker Rule approved by regulators will prove to be of little value if banking regulators fail to enforce its provisions.

The New York Times

But whichever firm it was, the letter may be of little value, because the I.R.S. is moving to disallow the shelter as illegitimate.

The New York Times

But it was going out of service and contained outdated material that the Russians probably found to be of little value.

The New York Times

After all, Mr. Dash's advice would be of little value unless it was given after a full disclosure of the relevant facts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen your writing, consider what factors cause something to "be of little value". Providing specific reasons enhances clarity and credibility.

Common error

While "be of little value" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive constructions can weaken writing. Opt for stronger verbs and active voice when possible for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be of little value" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject possesses a limited degree of worth, significance, or utility. Ludwig examples showcase varied contexts where things or advice are assessed as having minimal value.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be of little value" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something lacking significance or worth. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and scientific publications. While interchangeable with phrases like ""be of minimal use"" or ""hold little significance"", it's essential to consider the specific context to choose the most accurate and impactful wording. Avoid overusing passive voice for stronger writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can effectively use "be of little value" to convey your intended meaning with clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be of minimal use

Focuses on the lack of utility rather than inherent value.

Hold little significance

Emphasizes the lack of importance or consequence.

Be of limited utility

Highlights the restricted usefulness or applicability.

Be practically useless

Stresses the ineffectiveness in a practical context.

Prove ineffective

Indicates a failure to produce the desired result.

Not amount to much

Suggests a lack of overall worth or impact.

Lack importance

Directly states the absence of significance.

Have little bearing

Focuses on the lack of relevance or connection.

Be inconsequential

Highlights the trivial or unimportant nature.

Be hardly worthwhile

Implies that the effort involved is not justified by the outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "be of little value" in a sentence?

You can use "be of little value" to describe something that lacks worth or importance. For example: "The outdated data will "be of little value" in making informed decisions."

What are some alternatives to "be of little value"?

Alternatives include "be of minimal use", "hold little significance", or "be of limited utility", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "be of little value" or "be worthless"?

"Be worthless" is a stronger statement indicating complete lack of value. "Be of little value" suggests a diminished, but not necessarily absent, worth. The best choice depends on the specific degree of worthlessness you want to convey.

What's the difference between "be of little value" and "be irrelevant"?

"Be of little value" means something lacks worth, while "be irrelevant" means something is not connected or important to the current situation. Something can "be irrelevant" even if it has value in another context.