be useful for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be useful for" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe how something can be beneficial or serve a purpose. Example: This new technology will be useful for increasing productivity in the workplace.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It would be useful for us to acknowledge that fact.

The Guardian

A thorough record will be useful for tracking strategies used.

WikiHow

Might it be useful for my chosen university course?

The Guardian

The flying mouse could be useful for giving presentations.

The New York Times - Tech

This intact and living cell might be useful for cloning.

The Guardian

Support might be useful for other reasons too.

The Guardian

And sometimes, they can be useful for business.

The New York Times

"Hopefully, it will be useful for some larger purpose.

The New Yorker

(They were thought to be useful for picking up garbage).

The New York Times

Why might podcasts be useful for absent students?

The New York Times

Next, consider why you would be useful for them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be useful for", ensure the context clearly specifies what the subject is useful for. Avoid vague or ambiguous applications to maximize clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "be useful for" in overly broad statements without specifying the context. Instead of saying "This tool will be useful for everything", specify "This tool will be useful for data analysis and reporting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be useful for" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, indicating the quality of something being beneficial or advantageous for a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI states, it serves to highlight the practical application of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be useful for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies the beneficial or practical application of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. With a neutral register, it is suitable across various contexts, particularly in news, wiki, and science-related content. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the specific purpose or benefit is clearly defined to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "be advantageous for" or "be beneficial for" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be advantageous for

Replaces "useful" with "advantageous", implying a benefit or gain.

be beneficial for

Substitutes "useful" with "beneficial", highlighting the positive impact.

be helpful for

Replaces "useful" with "helpful", indicating assistance or support.

be valuable for

Changes "useful" to "valuable", emphasizing worth or importance.

be suitable for

Shifts the focus to appropriateness rather than direct utility.

be effective for

Highlights the efficiency and success of something in achieving a specific outcome.

be instrumental in

Indicates a crucial role in achieving a particular result.

be conducive to

Suggests that something promotes or contributes to a specific outcome.

serve a purpose for

Emphasizes the fulfillment of a specific aim or function.

lend itself to

Indicates that something is well-suited or adaptable for a particular use.

FAQs

How can I use "be useful for" in a sentence?

The phrase "be useful for" is used to describe something that provides a benefit or serves a purpose. For example, "This software can be useful for managing large datasets."

What are some alternatives to "be useful for"?

You can use alternatives such as "be advantageous for", "be beneficial for", or "be helpful for", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be useful for" in formal writing?

"Be useful for" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing the practical applications or benefits of a particular subject. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "be advantageous for" if a more sophisticated tone is desired.

Is "be useful to" interchangeable with "be useful for"?

While similar, "be useful to" generally indicates who or what directly benefits, while "be useful for" describes the purpose or activity it aids. For example, "This guide will be useful to students" versus "This guide will be useful for studying."