is useless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is useless' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that something yields no result or has no use. For example, "Listening to his excuses is useless - he never takes responsibility for his mistakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is useless information".

The New Yorker

Hollande is useless!

The New York Times

"The car is useless.

The New York Times

The ruling is useless.

The Economist

The party is useless!

The Guardian

Worry is useless.

The Washington Post

Trump's ban is useless.

The Washington Post

Sunscreen is useless.

The New York Times

This language is useless.

The New York Times - Magazine

That is useless!

The Guardian - Sport

Labour is useless.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is useless", ensure that the context clearly indicates why something lacks value or function. Avoid vagueness by specifying the reason for its ineffectiveness.

Common error

Avoid hyperbole when describing something as "is useless". Ensure that the situation genuinely warrants such a strong descriptor, as overuse can diminish the impact of your writing. Consider less emphatic alternatives like "is unhelpful" or "is not very effective" if the situation isn't entirely without merit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is useless" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject as lacking utility or value. Ludwig examples show it modifying various nouns, indicating a state of ineffectiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

15%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

HuffPost

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is useless" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something lacking value or utility. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in diverse contexts, with a strong presence in news and media, as well as academic writing. When employing "is useless", ensure clarity about why something is ineffective, while also being mindful of potential overstatements. Alternatives such as "is ineffective" or "serves no purpose" might be more appropriate depending on the context. Remember that the frequency and grammatical correctness of the phrase makes it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serves no purpose

Emphasizes the lack of a function or aim.

is without value

Highlights the absence of worth or merit.

is of no avail

Focuses on the lack of positive outcome or benefit.

is to no effect

Highlights the absence of impact or consequence.

is unproductive

Stresses the inability to generate results or output.

is ineffective

Highlights the lack of the power to produce a desired effect.

is futile

Emphasizes the pointlessness and lack of success.

is pointless

Focuses on the lack of a valid reason or goal.

is worthless

Highlights the lack of monetary or practical worth.

is in vain

Focuses on the lack of result despite effort.

FAQs

How can I use "is useless" in a sentence?

You can use "is useless" to describe something that has no practical value or cannot achieve a desired outcome. For example, "Trying to argue with him is useless." or "This broken tool is useless without repair."

What are some alternatives to saying "is useless"?

Alternatives to "is useless" include "is ineffective", "is futile", "is worthless", or "serves no purpose", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is useless"?

The phrase "is useless" is appropriate when something provides no benefit or cannot fulfill its intended function. Consider the audience and context; in some situations, a milder term might be more suitable.

Is there a difference between "is useless" and "is not useful"?

"Is useless" implies a complete lack of utility, while "is not useful" suggests that something might have some limited value but is not currently applicable or helpful. The former is a stronger, more definitive statement.