can be of use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be of use" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a potential benefit that a certain object or action can provide. For example: "This tool can be of use for a variety of projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Posner wonders how Chekhov's unique wisdom can be of use to us.

Los Angeles Times

He knows what they are and where they are; they can be of use one day.

The New Yorker

Candidates often underestimate their knowledge and how it can be of use to an employer.

The Guardian

Then when it comes to a major tournament he can be of use to Belgium".

The Guardian - Sport

"I believe that my experiences can be of use to people," she said.

The New York Times

You want to help people recover the ordinary, and perhaps we can be of use to those people".

The New York Times - Arts

So, although I'm an advisory director, I only try and offer advice when it can be of use".

The Guardian

Magnetization measurements showed the presence of two ferromagnetic phases, which can be of use for switching applications in magnetic devices.

Electrochimica Acta

These can be of use to design engineers concerned about achieving optimal water balance during steady and transient operation.

Journal of Membrane Science

These designs can be of use in various settings such as response surface methodology or tridimensional shape analysis.

Comptes Rendus Mathematique

This is an example of how cell-phone-logging apps can be of use to more than just researchers, he points out.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be of use", clearly specify what the subject can be used for to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "This tool can be of use", specify "This tool can be of use for analyzing data or creating reports".

Common error

Avoid using "can be of use" without specifying how or why something is useful. Vague statements like "This information can be of use" lack impact. Instead, explain the specific benefits: "This information can be of use for making informed decisions about your health."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be of use" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility and potential utility. It suggests that something has the capacity to provide help or benefit in a given situation. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be of use" is a versatile modal verb phrase indicating the potential for something to provide help or benefit. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its communicative purpose is to highlight the possible value or utility of a subject. While adaptable across different contexts, its use is particularly frequent in scientific and news publications, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. When using "can be of use", it's important to specify the context and benefits to enhance clarity and avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can prove helpful

Replaces "of use" with "helpful", shifting from a noun-based to an adjective-based expression of utility.

may be beneficial

Substitutes "can" with "may" and "of use" with "beneficial", indicating possibility and advantage.

could be advantageous

Replaces "can" with "could" and "of use" with "advantageous", suggesting a potential benefit.

might be valuable

Substitutes "can" with "might" and "of use" with "valuable", emphasizing potential worth.

may offer assistance

Changes the structure to focus on providing assistance, replacing "be of use" with "offer assistance".

can provide a service

Specifies the type of use as a service, making the phrase more direct and actionable.

can lend a hand

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the idea of helping, making it less formal.

can contribute

Shortens the phrase to focus on contribution, implying utility in a broader sense.

can play a role

Suggests that something has a part to play or a function to perform.

might serve a purpose

Highlights the potential for something to fulfill a specific intention or goal.

FAQs

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

Use "can be of use" to indicate the potential utility or benefit of something. For example, "This software "can be of use" to project managers for tracking tasks and deadlines."

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

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

Is it better to say "can be of use" or "is useful"?

"Can be of use" emphasizes the potential or possibility of being useful, while "is useful" states a current state of utility. The best choice depends on whether you want to highlight potential or current usefulness.

What's the difference between "can be of use" and "can be used for"?

"Can be of use" generally refers to the overall helpfulness or utility, while "can be used for" specifies the direct application or function. For example, "This tool "can be of use" in research (overall utility)" versus "This tool "can be used for" data analysis (specific application)".