it virtually useless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it virtually useless" is not correct in English.
It should be "it is virtually useless." You can use this phrase to describe something that is almost completely ineffective or without value. Example: "The old software is so outdated that it is virtually useless for our current needs."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Although Eq. (26) expresses the expected inhibition values that we want to calculate, its complexity makes it virtually useless for practical purposes.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

Its lack of a reliable guidance system makes it virtually useless as a battle field weapon.

Huffington Post

Its reliability proved no better than others and its complex firing sequence and limited seeker-head cooling time made it virtually useless in combat against agile fighters.

Wikipedia

Loopholes in the 1994 federal assault weapons ban rendered it virtually useless, many believe.

The New York Times

The upper reaches of the Godavari are dry in winter and spring, making it virtually useless for irrigation.

Britannica

Garrett's inventory, for example, is mapped to the touchpad on the PS4's controller, but the way it's been implemented renders it virtually useless.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

You can call up a map in the game to help you get around, but because it doesn't show your location, it is virtually useless.

The New York Times - Tech

You have to be hit by a tractor, literally, a tractor, to use it, because the deductibles are so high, it's virtually useless.

The Washington Post

It is the only portrait of Jane Austen which has a rock-solid authentication, but it isn't reproduced very often for two reasons: as a drawing it is inept; and as an image it is virtually useless, since the face doesn't show.

The Guardian - Books

It becomes virtually useless...unless you want to use it as a brick.

WikiHow

It's virtually useless.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always include the verb "is" or "was" before "virtually useless" to ensure grammatical correctness: "it is virtually useless".

Common error

Avoid omitting the verb "to be" (is, was, are, were) before "virtually useless". This omission creates a grammatically incorrect phrase that can confuse readers. Ensure you include the necessary verb for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it virtually useless" functions as a predicate adjective attempting to describe the subject "it". However, as Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically incorrect due to the missing verb "is". Corrected, it becomes part of a subject complement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it virtually useless" is flagged by Ludwig AI as grammatically incorrect, missing the crucial verb "is". The correct form, "it is virtually useless", means something is almost entirely without value or function. While the phrase appears in various sources, including news outlets and scientific articles, remember to include the verb "is" to ensure grammatical accuracy. Alternatives like "it is almost useless" or "it is practically useless" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is almost useless

Replaces "virtually" with "almost", a more direct synonym, slightly decreasing the emphasis on near-complete uselessness.

it is practically useless

Substitutes "virtually" with "practically", suggesting a more pragmatic assessment of its lack of utility.

it is essentially useless

Uses "essentially" to indicate that the item's core function is non-existent, slightly shifting the focus to its fundamental nature.

it is largely ineffective

Employs "largely ineffective" to soften the impact of complete uselessness, implying some limited functionality remains.

it is of little use

Changes the structure to emphasize the lack of benefit derived from the item, reducing the directness of the statement.

it serves almost no purpose

Rephrases the concept to focus on the absence of a meaningful function, moving away from a direct evaluation of usability.

it has limited functionality

Highlights the constrained operational capabilities of the item, providing a more technical description of its shortcomings.

it's as good as useless

Uses a simile to suggest that the item's condition is comparable to being useless, adding a degree of hyperbole.

it offers minimal value

Shifts the perspective to the item's contribution, emphasizing its lack of worth or benefit.

it is rendered inoperative

Indicates the item has been made non-functional or ineffective, often due to external factors or damage.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "it virtually useless"?

The phrase "it virtually useless" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "it is virtually useless". The verb "is" is essential for the sentence to be grammatically sound.

What does "virtually useless" mean?

"Virtually useless" means something is almost completely useless or ineffective. While it might technically function, its usefulness is so limited that it's practically worthless.

What are some alternatives to "it is virtually useless"?

You can use alternatives like "it is almost useless", "it is practically useless", or "it is largely ineffective" depending on the context.

Is "virtually useless" stronger than "almost useless"?

"Virtually useless" and "almost useless" are very close in meaning, but "virtually useless" suggests a slightly higher degree of uselessness. "Virtually" implies something is so close to being completely useless that the difference is negligible, while "almost" leaves a bit more room for potential utility.