it becomes useless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it becomes useless" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something loses its value or functionality over time or due to certain conditions. Example: "After several years of neglect, the old machinery becomes useless and needs to be replaced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He argues that environmental and health concerns aside – and he has many – fracking will give few people as much money as their land is actually worth, because it becomes useless once drained of its gas.

The Guardian

For part (d), we move the projection onto title and name up, until it is just before the projection onto name, whereupon it becomes useless.

Stanford University

The obvious inference is that rhodopsin is the visual pigment of the rods, and that when it is exposed to relatively intense lights it becomes useless for vision.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When a protein misfolds, it becomes useless and hard to dispose of, he said, comparing it to a piece of paper.

The New York Times - Health

From Putin's perspective, then, the kompromat is useful only as long as he does not reveal it, while it becomes useless — and even counterproductive — as soon as he makes it public.

The Washington Post

If you're prompted to approve or disapprove every little click, it becomes useless.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It found that the average vulnerability had a "life expectancy" of 6.9 years before it became useless to hackers.

The New York Times

Lose it, and the pad becomes useless until you spend $80 for a new pen.

The New York Times - Science

Thus, the thread cache on core PE1 becomes useless and it gets a lot of cache misses when restarting on PE2.

BioMed Research International

The most elegant technology solution in the world becomes useless if users never adopt it.

Forbes

"If they don't operate the telescopes, it could mean a year's worth of data becomes useless".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it becomes useless", ensure the context clearly defines what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

While grammatically sound, relying too heavily on "it becomes useless" can make formal writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing with synonyms like "it loses its usefulness" or "it ceases to be effective" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it becomes useless" typically functions as a predicate within a sentence, describing a state change. Ludwig AI examples show it being used to describe a variety of subjects that lose their value or functionality over time or under certain conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it becomes useless" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression used to describe the loss of functionality or value of something. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, choosing alternative phrases like "it loses its usefulness" or "it ceases to be effective" can enhance writing style and avoid repetition, especially in formal contexts. This phrase is commonly found in news, science, and academic writing, indicating a broad but not ubiquitous usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it loses its usefulness

This alternative directly states the loss of utility.

it ceases to be effective

This phrase emphasizes the termination of effectiveness.

it is rendered ineffective

Focuses on the act of making something ineffective.

it becomes inoperative

Highlights that the subject no longer functions.

it is no longer of any use

A more verbose way of saying something is useless.

it turns obsolete

Implies that the subject is outdated and no longer relevant.

it is rendered obsolete

Similar to "it turns obsolete" but with an emphasis on the rendering.

it becomes non-functional

This term describes the lack of capability to function.

it is reduced to nothing

Focuses on the complete diminishment of the subject's value.

it is made worthless

Focuses on the state of worthlessness of the subject.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it becomes useless" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "it is rendered ineffective", "it ceases to be functional", or "it loses its utility".

What's a simpler way to say "it becomes useless"?

Simpler alternatives include "it stops working", "it's no use", or "it doesn't work anymore".

Is there a difference between "it becomes useless" and "it is useless"?

"It becomes useless" implies a process of losing usefulness over time or due to specific conditions. "It is useless" simply states the current state of being without implying a change.

What are some common things that "become useless"?

Examples include outdated technology, broken tools, expired data, or knowledge that is no longer relevant due to new discoveries or changes in circumstances.