has its uses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has its uses" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to acknowledge that something may not be perfect or ideal, but still has practical value or can be helpful in certain situations. Example: "Although the old car may not be very stylish, it still has its uses for running errands and taking short trips."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pity, it seems, has its uses, but it is no substitute for understanding.

The Guardian - Books

But it has its uses..

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And I discovered that it has its uses.

The New York Times

Unwieldy as this stuff is, it has its uses.

The New York Times - Books

Wikipedia is full of mistakes and stupidities, but it has its uses.

The New York Times

But that definition has its uses; it means that a drawing can be a collage.

The New York Times

It has its uses, for long messages that you want to receive from people.

The Guardian - Tech

This limitation has its uses: it means that topics of more importance are given more space.

The Guardian - Books

It has its uses in countless physics equations, endless mathematical formulae and near-infinite engineering problems.

The Guardian

However, it has its uses.

TechCrunch

Layering is not only fun and so very stylish, but it has its uses.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has its uses" to acknowledge a potential benefit or value of something, even when discussing something that is generally seen as negative or flawed. This can demonstrate balanced and nuanced thinking.

Common error

Avoid using "has its uses" to try to justify something that is overwhelmingly negative or harmful. The phrase is most effective when acknowledging a minor or specific utility, not when trying to excuse major flaws.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has its uses" functions as an acknowledgment of utility. It indicates that something possesses a degree of usefulness or benefit, even if those advantages aren't immediately obvious or universally recognized. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has its uses" is a versatile expression employed to acknowledge the utility or value of something, even when it may not be immediately apparent. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. While it suggests a degree of benefit, it also implies that something may not be perfect, but still possesses practical worth. When writing, it's best to use "has its uses" to convey a balanced perspective, recognizing both the pros and cons of a subject. However, avoid overstating the usefulness to try and justify severe drawbacks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not without value

Stresses the presence of worth, suggesting that something is useful.

is useful in some ways

Acknowledges that something has areas where it is practical or beneficial.

is not without its merits

Focuses on positive aspects, implying benefits exist despite potential drawbacks.

serves a purpose

Indicates that there is a practical function or objective being met.

offers some advantages

Highlights the presence of benefits or positive outcomes.

presents certain benefits

Emphasizes particular positive features that are present.

retains some benefit

Suggests the thing continues to possess benefits or advantages.

is good for something

Highlights simple functionality or utility for a given purpose.

possesses a degree of utility

Emphasizes the presence of usefulness or practicality.

has a silver lining

Highlights the positive aspect within an otherwise negative situation.

FAQs

How can I use "has its uses" in a sentence?

The phrase "has its uses" is employed to acknowledge that something, despite its potential downsides or limitations, possesses some value or benefit. For example, "While email can be overwhelming, it "has its uses" for formal communication".

What's a more formal alternative to "has its uses"?

For a more formal tone, consider phrases like "is not without its merits", "offers certain advantages", or "serves a purpose". These options provide a similar meaning while maintaining a more professional register.

Is it correct to say "have its uses" instead of "has its uses"?

No, "have its uses" is grammatically incorrect in this context. The correct form is "has its uses", as the subject (it) is singular and requires the singular verb form "has".

What's the difference between "has its uses" and "has advantages"?

"Has its uses" implies that something is useful in specific or limited contexts, while "has advantages" suggests that something is generally beneficial. The former is more nuanced, acknowledging both pros and cons, while the latter emphasizes the positive aspects.