it is often helpful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is often helpful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that something is generally beneficial or useful in a particular context. Example: "When learning a new language, it is often helpful to practice speaking with native speakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

The question all managers should be encouraged to ask and it is often helpful to have outsiders come in to help ask it is what things did we do right in order to get into the crisis we now face?

Harvard Business Review

And when you are getting started, it is often helpful to engage an international expansion consulting firm, that can help you quickly learn all the local laws, regulations, accounting rules, business taxes, government taxes, employment vs contractor rules, compensation rules, privacy rules, etc.

Forbes

Because of its action on excess mucus and toxins in the respiratory tract, it is often helpful with emphysema, asthma, bronchial asthma, and tuberculosis.

WikiHow

It is often helpful to send a screen shot.

Yale University

In addition, it is often helpful to add an external text label in square brackets.

Yale University

It is often helpful to supplement ad hoc consensus building discussions with input from expert advisors.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

It's often helpful to walk them through your personal organization system.

Harvard Business Review

It's often helpful to do the analysis in two stages.

The New York Times

"There is increasing evidence that if you can exercise, it's often helpful" in quitting, Dr. Benowitz said.

The New York Times

Highlight key messages It's often helpful to highlight some of the key messages you are trying to raise awareness of through the map you are using.

The Guardian

It's often helpful to highlight some of the key messages you are trying to raise awareness of through the map you are using.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is often helpful", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to. Clarity is key to conveying the intended benefit or assistance.

Common error

Avoid using "it is often helpful" without a clear referent for 'it'. Vague references can confuse readers and diminish the statement's impact. Provide a specific subject for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is often helpful" functions as an introductory clause to suggest a recommendation or a course of action. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct. It typically precedes a statement offering advice or a useful tip. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its application in various contexts, ranging from professional advice to practical guidance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

26%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is often helpful" is a versatile phrase used to introduce advice, suggestions, or useful strategies. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely employed across various contexts, from academic writing and news articles to practical guides. Its frequency in both formal and informal settings underscores its broad applicability. The phrase's primary function is to offer constructive guidance, with a register that leans toward neutral to professional. When using this phrase, ensure that the referent of 'it' is clear to avoid ambiguity. For alternatives, consider phrases like ""it is frequently beneficial"" or ""it is usually advantageous"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is frequently beneficial

Replaces "often" with "frequently" and "helpful" with "beneficial", emphasizing the positive outcome.

it is usually advantageous

Substitutes "often" with "usually" and "helpful" with "advantageous", focusing on the favorable nature of the action.

it is generally useful

Replaces "often" with "generally" and "helpful" with "useful", highlighting broad applicability.

it can be quite useful

Uses "can be" to express possibility and "quite useful" to indicate a significant level of benefit.

it is typically supportive

Replaces "often helpful" with "typically supportive", focusing on providing assistance or encouragement.

it serves a useful purpose

Shifts the focus to the functionality of the action, describing that it has a beneficial aim.

it is known to assist

Emphasizes that the action has a proven record of providing help.

it is a good practice to

Suggests that something is advisable or standard procedure.

it's a common strategy

Indicates that something is often used as a method to achieve a goal.

a useful approach is

Introduces an action as a valuable method or tactic.

FAQs

What does "it is often helpful" mean?

The phrase "it is often helpful" suggests that something is generally beneficial or useful in a particular situation. It implies that the action or suggestion is not always necessary, but frequently provides a positive outcome.

How can I use "it is often helpful" in a sentence?

You can use "it is often helpful" to introduce a suggestion or action that can improve a situation. For example, "When learning a new language, "it is often helpful" to practice speaking with native speakers."

What can I say instead of "it is often helpful"?

You can use alternatives like "it is frequently beneficial", "it is usually advantageous", or "it is generally useful" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it is often helpful" and "it is always helpful"?

Yes, "it is often helpful" indicates that something is beneficial in many, but not all, situations. "It is always helpful" implies that something is beneficial in every situation. Choose the phrase that most accurately reflects the context.