can be useful

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be useful" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when making a comparison between two differing concepts to show that one option can be beneficial or advantageous. For example: "Having a degree can be useful in securing a higher-paying job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That can be useful.

The Economist

This can be useful.

The New York Times - Magazine

Art history can be useful.

Independent

Alkoxides can be useful reagents.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It can be useful.

The New York Times - Arts

Symbiosis can be useful.

The Guardian - Travel

"It can be useful," she said.

The New York Times

But coalitions can be useful.

The New York Times

Yet mere symbolism can be useful.

The Economist

Memories can be useful," Kamita said.

The New Yorker

QR codes can be useful tools.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be useful" to suggest potential benefits or advantages, not guaranteed outcomes. This phrase is effective when presenting options or possibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "can be useful" when a stronger, more definitive statement is appropriate. If something is undeniably beneficial, use a phrase that reflects that certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be useful" functions as a modal phrase expressing potential utility. It suggests that something has the potential to provide a benefit or serve a purpose. As Ludwig AI indicates, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be useful" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression that signifies potential benefit or advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. The phrase's neutrality allows for its use in both formal and informal settings. When writing, remember that "can be useful" suggests possibility, not guarantee, and consider stronger phrasing if the benefit is certain. To add variety to your writing, explore alternatives like "may prove helpful" or "could be advantageous". The wide range of examples provided highlights the phrase's broad applicability and consistent meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may prove helpful

Suggests a possibility of providing assistance, emphasizing a potential future benefit.

could be advantageous

Indicates a potential benefit or positive outcome, often in a competitive or strategic context.

might offer value

Highlights the potential for something to provide worth or importance.

may serve a purpose

Focuses on the potential for fulfilling a specific need or function.

could be of assistance

Emphasizes the potential to provide help or support.

might come in handy

Suggests a potential for future usefulness, often in unexpected situations.

may be worth considering

Encourages evaluation of something for its potential benefits.

can provide benefits

Emphasizes the ability to offer advantages or positive outcomes.

could be instrumental

Highlights the potential for playing a crucial role in achieving a goal.

might facilitate success

Suggests a potential to make success easier or more likely.

FAQs

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

Use "can be useful" to suggest that something has the potential to provide a benefit or serve a purpose. For example, "Learning a new language "can be useful" for traveling".

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

You can use alternatives like "may prove helpful", "could be advantageous", or "might offer value" depending on the context.

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

"Can be useful" suggests potential benefit, while "is useful" implies a definite, present benefit. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of certainty.

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

"Can be useful" describes something with potential benefit, while "can be used" describes something with the ability to be employed. "Can be useful" focuses on the outcome, and "can be used" focuses on the action.