can be helpful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be helpful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential benefits or advantages of something in a general context. Example: "Using a planner can be helpful for managing your time effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gossip can be helpful.

The New Yorker

These can be helpful.

The New York Times

"It can be helpful.

The New York Times

Then it can be helpful.

The New Yorker

"Outside folks can be helpful".

The New York Times

Tourists, especially, can be helpful.

The New Yorker

So it can be helpful.

The Guardian

(Spouses can be helpful enforcers).

The Guardian - Opinion

Here again Congress can be helpful.

The New York Times

"Corruption can be helpful," he chuckles.

The Economist

"Memories can be helpful," Kamita had said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be helpful", specify in what way it is helpful to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "can be helpful" as a filler phrase. Always follow it with a clear explanation of how something is helpful to avoid vague or uninformative statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be helpful" functions as a predicate adjective describing the potential benefit or aid that something offers. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where the phrase is used to highlight the advantages of various actions, tools, or strategies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be helpful" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate the potential benefits or assistance something might provide. As demonstrated by the numerous examples analyzed by Ludwig AI, it appears most commonly in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. It's grammatically correct and serves to inform or suggest a positive attribute. To maximize clarity, always specify how something "can be helpful" rather than leaving it as a vague statement. Consider alternatives like "may be beneficial" or "could be advantageous" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be beneficial

Suggests a possibility of providing benefits, slightly weaker than "can be helpful".

could be advantageous

Focuses on providing an advantage, implying a more strategic benefit than simple help.

might prove useful

Emphasizes the potential for usefulness, suggesting a trial or evaluation.

may offer assistance

Directly states the provision of help, suitable for formal contexts.

can provide support

Highlights the supportive aspect, indicating aid in overcoming challenges.

could lend a hand

Informal way of saying help, used in more casual settings.

might come in handy

Suggests future usefulness, implying preparedness for unforeseen needs.

can be of service

Formal expression indicating willingness to help.

may facilitate progress

Focuses on ease of progress rather than just help.

could contribute positively

Highlights a positive impact or addition, rather than direct assistance.

FAQs

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

Use "can be helpful" to suggest that something has the potential to provide assistance or benefits. For example, "Using a checklist can be helpful to ensure all steps are completed."

What can I say instead of "can be helpful"?

You can use alternatives like "may be beneficial", "could be advantageous", or "might prove useful" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be helpful" or "is helpful"?

"Can be helpful" suggests a potential benefit, while "is helpful" states a present and known benefit. Choose based on whether you're indicating potential or established help.

What's the difference between "can be helpful" and "can be useful"?

While similar, "helpful" implies providing assistance, whereas "useful" suggests practicality and functionality. "Can be helpful" focuses on aid, while "can be useful" focuses on function.