be of no use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be of no use' is correct and is usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an action or object that has no practical value or outcome. For example, "No matter how hard I tried, the extra time I spent studying for the test was of no use - I still failed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So, knowing the size, figure and motion of the particles would be of no use to us in this regard.

SEP

"If subject did not start to provide useful information, we would turn subject over to [another nation] because he would be of no use to us, and these other people would certainly kill him," Haspel wrote.

Vice

But until we reclaim the Gospel and contextualize the unrest that surrounds us theologically, historically, and spiritually, God will be of no use to Black people--or anyone else for that matter.

Huffington Post

"We'd be of no use to the Spanish," he says.

The Guardian

By which time it would be of no use.

The Guardian

When I'm gone, this immense labour will be of no use to anyone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A modified Refugee Convention would be of no use to them.

The Guardian

This album will be of no use to an Oshkosh real estate man.

The Guardian - Music

Certainly Howard Dean will be of no use steering her to the exit.

The New York Times

He says that when whole-genome sequencing arrives, single-gene patents will be of no use.

The Economist

Teachers said resits this autumn would be of no use to pupils who needed their results now.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be of no use" to clearly communicate that an object, action, or idea has no practical application or benefit in a specific situation. For example, “Trying to fix the broken computer without the proper tools will be of no use.”

Common error

While "be of no use" is widely understood, consider more nuanced alternatives like "be ineffective" or "serve no purpose" in formal writing to enhance precision and sophistication. Don't be afraid to consider other alternatives listed in this document such as "be of no value".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be of no use" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of something lacking utility or effectiveness. As Ludwig indicates, the expression is deemed grammatically correct, making it fit for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

34%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be of no use" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase, as validated by Ludwig, to denote a lack of utility or effectiveness. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it serves to communicate that something is unhelpful or inapplicable. While versatile, writers should consider more nuanced alternatives for formal contexts. The phrase's neutral register and widespread use make it a valuable tool for clear and direct communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be pointless

Directly indicates the absence of a valid reason or outcome.

be of no value

Highlights the absence of any beneficial quality.

serve no purpose

Emphasizes the lack of a defined aim or goal.

be ineffective

Focuses on the failure to produce a desired effect.

be futile

Highlights the pointlessness of an action or effort.

be unavailing

Stresses the lack of success despite effort.

be unhelpful

Focuses on the lack of assistance or support.

be worthless

Indicates a lack of inherent value or merit.

not be beneficial

Emphasizes the absence of positive effects or advantages.

not work

Highlights the lack of functionality or operation.

FAQs

How can I use "be of no use" in a sentence?

Use "be of no use" to indicate that something is not helpful or effective in a given situation. For example, "Without the right tools, I will "be ineffective" trying to fix this."

What are some alternatives to "be of no use"?

You can use phrases like "serve no purpose", ""be ineffective"", or "be futile" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be of no use"?

It's appropriate to use "be of no use" in situations where you want to clearly state that something lacks utility or effectiveness. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although in formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives.

What is the difference between "be of no use" and "be worthless"?

"Be of no use" implies a lack of practical application or helpfulness in a specific situation, while "be worthless" suggests a complete lack of value or merit in general. The former focuses on utility, while the latter focuses on inherent value.