it can be helpful

USAGE SUMMARY

"it can be helpful" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has the potential to provide assistance. For example: "Researching other people's experiences can be helpful when making an important decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then it can be helpful.

The New Yorker

"It can be helpful.

The New York Times

So it can be helpful.

The Guardian

"I think it can be helpful," Coulson said.

The Guardian

In these cases, it can be helpful to consider what something is not.

The New Yorker

It can be helpful, it might even be essential, but it is dangerous too.

The Guardian

To stop recruiters commenting on CV gaps, it can be helpful to mention what you did during employment breaks.

The Guardian

Get feelings down on paper It can be helpful for disappointed students to write down their feelings.

The Guardian

It can be helpful to get a second pair of eyes, says Corinne Mills, managing director of Personal Career Management.

The Guardian

"Now there's a recognition that it can be helpful for some women, and so more women are seeking it.

The New York Times

As a result, it can be helpful for operating and managing firms' processes.

Expert Systems with Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can be helpful" to introduce suggestions or recommendations, particularly when you want to avoid sounding overly assertive or prescriptive.

Common error

Avoid using "it can be helpful" as a generic filler phrase. Replace it with more specific and descriptive language to convey the precise benefit or action being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be helpful" primarily functions as a hedge, softening a suggestion or recommendation. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase indicates something possesses the potential to offer assistance. Examples show its use across various contexts, adding a note of caution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can be helpful" is a versatile phrase used to offer suggestions and recommendations in a non-assertive way. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression indicates the potential for something to provide assistance. It enjoys widespread usage across various domains, including news, science, and general advice, making it a valuable tool for clear and considerate communication. It's important to ensure that the context clarifies what 'it' refers to and to avoid using the phrase as a generic filler.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could be useful

Changes 'can' to 'could', softening the certainty of the helpfulness. It suggests a possibility rather than a definite helpfulness.

it might be beneficial

Replaces 'helpful' with 'beneficial', implying a more significant positive impact or advantage.

it may be advantageous

Substitutes 'helpful' with 'advantageous', focusing on the competitive edge or strategic benefit it provides.

it can prove useful

Adds 'prove' to emphasize the demonstration of usefulness over time or through experience.

it can lend assistance

Replaces 'helpful' with the more formal 'lend assistance', suitable for professional or academic contexts.

it has the potential to help

Expands the phrase to highlight the potential or possibility of providing help, rather than stating it directly.

it serves a purpose

Focuses on the functional aspect, indicating that it fulfills a specific need or objective.

it offers some value

Emphasizes the worth or significance it brings, suggesting it is not just helpful, but also valuable.

it contributes positively

Highlights the positive contribution it makes, implying an active role in improving a situation or outcome.

it is conducive to success

Indicates that it supports or leads to a successful outcome, focusing on its role in achieving goals.

FAQs

How can I use "it can be helpful" in a sentence?

You can use "it can be helpful" to suggest a course of action or provide advice. For example, "Reviewing your notes /s/can+be+helpful before a test" or "Taking breaks /s/can+be+helpful when working on a long project".

What are some alternatives to "it can be helpful"?

Some alternatives include "/s/it+could+be+useful", "/s/it+might+be+beneficial", or "/s/it+may+be+advantageous", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it can be helpful" a formal or informal phrase?

"It can be helpful" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "/s/it+may+be+advantageous" might be preferred in certain professional settings.

What does "it can be helpful" imply?

"It can be helpful" implies that something has the potential to provide assistance or improve a situation. It suggests a possibility rather than a guarantee.