it is not helpful

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is not helpful" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express that something is not beneficial or useful. Example: "His constant complaints are not helpful in solving the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We each do well to tell our Inner Critic to butt out -- that it is not helpful, but hurtful, to be in its negative grip.

Huffington Post

It is not helpful to people who have a disability.

The Guardian - Sport

Inevitably, this leads to disputes and it is not helpful to make comparisons.

The Guardian

It is not helpful when the complexity of the decision is belittled.

The New Yorker

"It is not helpful to anyone to assume that scientists are authoritative," he said.

The New Yorker

Conflating the two concepts may be fashionable, but it is not helpful to readers.

The New York Times

"It will be construed by many parents as a threat and it is not helpful.

The Guardian

Carney says it is not helpful to speculate on what might happen after the referendum in September.

The Guardian

The optimal mix varies by child, so it is not helpful for politicians to dictate phonics or any method.

The New York Times

"It is not helpful to say if you take this degree this is what you will earn".

The Guardian

"It is not helpful for elected representatives to make public statements that feed fear and hatred," he tells Guardian Australia.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is not helpful" to politely express that a suggestion, action, or piece of information won't contribute positively to a situation. It's a versatile phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it is not helpful" when a stronger, more direct critique is warranted. In situations demanding serious feedback, phrases like "it is detrimental" or "it is counterproductive" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not helpful" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that something lacks utility or benefit in a given context. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to express that something is not beneficial or useful.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

38%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is not helpful" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a lack of utility or benefit. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and typical usage. With examples spanning News & Media and Science, this phrase shows versatility in various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the specific context and audience when deciding if a stronger, more direct critique is needed. Related phrases like "it is unhelpful" or "it is counterproductive" may offer more specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unhelpful

More concise alternative, implying a lack of helpfulness.

it is not useful

Directly states the lack of utility.

it is counterproductive

Indicates that the action or thing hinders progress.

it is ineffective

Focuses on the lack of desired outcome.

it is of no assistance

More formal way of saying something doesn't help.

it is detrimental

Highlights the harmful effect.

it is pointless

Emphasizes the futility of something.

it serves no purpose

Highlights the lack of reason or goal.

it is a waste of time

Emphasizes the inefficiency and lack of value.

it is inadvisable

Suggests that the action is not recommended due to potential negative consequences.

FAQs

What does "it is not helpful" mean?

The phrase "it is not helpful" means that something is not useful, beneficial, or effective in a particular situation. It implies that the subject in question does not contribute positively to the outcome.

How can I use "it is not helpful" in a sentence?

You can use "it is not helpful" to express that something is not contributing positively to a situation. For example, "Speculating about the cause "it is not helpful" without evidence."

What are some alternatives to saying "it is not helpful"?

Alternatives to "it is not helpful" include "it is unhelpful", "it is counterproductive", "it is not useful", or "it is detrimental", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is not helpful" formal or informal?

"It is not helpful" is generally considered to be neutral in tone and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific situation and audience should be considered when choosing the most appropriate wording.