it is useful to ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is useful to ask" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that inquiring about something can provide valuable information or insights. Example: "In any research project, it is useful to ask the right questions to gather relevant data."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But since this is how the popular debate is posed, it is useful to ask whether rectifying the imbalances is only a matter of American and Chinese households switching personalities.

The New York Times

In the end, it is useful to ask what work we expect the architecture-as-language thesis to do.

SEP

It is useful to ask specifically whether contact with balloons, condoms or latex gloves provokes itching, rash or angioedema.

Anaesthesia

Before studying constrained variation in individual reactions, it is useful to ask how diverse the composition of different metabolic networks really is.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

We agree that an over-fitting assessment is not generally necessary, but nevertheless, it is useful to ask whether the statistical relationship expressed in the model is consistent across different subsets of the data.

eLife

It is useful to ask the patient about the pattern of symptoms, typical of ADHD and its co-morbidities in his/her family, taking into account familial factors and the high heritability of the symptoms.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It's useful to ask specific questions: 'Were there areas that let me down compared to the other candidate?' You'll avoid a generic answer".

The Guardian

As we anticipate the coming months, it's useful to ask these questions, especially as they relate to issues of racial, ethnic and national stereotyping in story ballet.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps it's useful to ask yourself whether you'd more enjoy a play that is seamless but tepid or one that is flawed yet fiery.

The New York Times

Often the company has a recent graduate on the stand and it's useful to ask them what their first year was like and what sort of projects and level of responsibilities they were given.

The Guardian

And with crude prices up over 100% from their recession lows, it's useful to ask whether a new crude price spike might not derail the nascent recovery.The answer would appear to be yet, but it's not clear just how high prices would have to get before causing serious trouble.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is useful to ask", follow it with a clear and specific question to maximize its impact. This ensures that the inquiry is focused and yields relevant information.

Common error

Avoid using "it is useful to ask" as a general statement without posing a concrete question. Always follow the phrase with a specific inquiry to provide context and direction. Instead of saying "It is useful to ask", specify: "It is useful to ask, 'What are the potential risks associated with this approach?'"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is useful to ask" functions as a meta-commentary or discourse marker, signaling the introduction of a question or inquiry deemed beneficial for understanding or problem-solving. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English. It often sets the stage for a specific question to follow.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is useful to ask" is a versatile phrase used to introduce and emphasize the value of posing a specific question. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, this phrase signals the importance of inquiry for gaining insights. Alternatives such as "it's helpful to ask" or "it is beneficial to ask" offer variations in tone and formality. When using this phrase, ensure it is followed by a clear and specific question to maximize its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's helpful to ask

Replaces "useful" with "helpful", offering a slightly more casual tone.

it is beneficial to ask

Substitutes "useful" with "beneficial", emphasizing the positive outcome of asking.

it is valuable to inquire

Replaces "useful" with "valuable" and "ask" with "inquire", making the phrase more formal.

it is wise to ask

Replaces "useful" with "wise", suggesting that asking demonstrates good judgment.

it is productive to ask

Substitutes "useful" with "productive", emphasizing the efficiency gained from asking.

it is advantageous to ask

Replaces "useful" with "advantageous", highlighting the potential gains from asking.

it is important to ask

Emphasizes the necessity of asking, rather than just its usefulness.

it is essential to ask

Highlights the critical nature of asking, suggesting it's indispensable.

consider asking

Offers a more direct suggestion, omitting the explicit statement of usefulness.

it is pertinent to ask

Replaces "useful" with "pertinent", indicating that asking is relevant and appropriate.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is useful to ask" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can use alternatives such as "it is beneficial to ask" or "it is valuable to inquire". These options replace "useful" with more sophisticated vocabulary and can elevate the tone of your writing.

What are some alternatives to "it is useful to ask" for a more casual tone?

For a more casual tone, consider using "it's helpful to ask" or simply "consider asking". These options are less formal and more conversational.

When is it appropriate to use "it is useful to ask"?

Use "it is useful to ask" when you want to suggest that posing a question will lead to valuable insights or information. It is particularly effective in analytical contexts, problem-solving scenarios, or when seeking clarification.

Is there a difference between "it is useful to ask" and "it is important to ask"?

Yes, while both phrases suggest posing a question, "it is useful to ask" implies that asking will provide benefits or insights, while "it is important to ask" emphasizes that asking is necessary or essential. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the benefit or the necessity of the inquiry.