its utility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "its utility" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the usefulness or practical application of something. Example: "The research highlights its utility in improving energy efficiency in buildings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Citizens, based in Stamford, Conn., is increasingly focused on telecommunications as it sheds its utility businesses.

The New York Times

In order to assess its utility, we evaluated it against Gwet's AC1 and compared the results.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Convinced of its utility, voters then permanently approved it.

The New York Times

And it remained, in part, because of its utility.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is the deficiency of this technology that limits its utility and using range.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

It isn't much to look at, and even describing its utility is difficult.

The New York Times - Tech

Others questioned its utility.

The New York Times

Its strangeness is probably part of its utility.

The New York Times

• Twitter has been praised for its utility as a microbroadcaster.

The New York Times

For all its utility, e-mail is not an emotional form of communication.

The New York Times - Tech

The institution soon manifested its utility, was imitated by other towns, and in other provinces.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the practical benefits of a concept or tool, use "its utility" to convey a sense of functional value. For example, "The study examines "its utility" in improving urban planning."

Common error

While "its utility" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing it in casual conversation or informal writing. Alternatives like "how useful it is" or "its practical value" may sound more natural in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "its utility" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a sentence or clause. It describes the quality of being useful or the practical application of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "its utility" effectively conveys the usefulness or practical value of something, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolbox. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in formal contexts like academic, scientific and news writing. When choosing whether to employ this term, consider the setting and target audience, and opt for simpler alternatives when writing informally. When it comes to utility, practical value, usefulness, and function, "its utility" remains a reliable, professional choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

its usefulness

Direct synonym, replacing "utility" with a more common term for practical value.

its practicality

Emphasizes how well something can be applied in real-world situations.

its value

Focuses on the worth or importance of something, rather than its direct practicality.

its effectiveness

Focuses on how well something achieves its intended result.

its advantage

Highlights the benefits or positive aspects it provides.

its benefit

Stresses the positive outcome or gain derived from something.

how useful it is

Rephrases the concept as a question of degree of usefulness.

its serviceability

Highlights the ability of something to provide a useful service.

the extent of its use

Focuses on the degree to which something is actually utilized.

its function

Emphasizes the role or purpose that something serves.

FAQs

How can I use "its utility" in a sentence?

Use "its utility" to describe the usefulness or practical application of something. For example: "The research highlights "its utility" in improving energy efficiency." You can replace it with similar phrases like "its usefulness" or "its practicality".

What are some synonyms for "its utility"?

Synonyms for "its utility" include "its usefulness", "its value", "its effectiveness", and "its practicality". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "its utility" in formal writing?

Yes, "its utility" is appropriate and often preferred in formal writing, especially in academic, scientific, and business contexts. It conveys a sense of objective assessment of practical value.

When should I avoid using "its utility"?

While correct, "its utility" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. In such cases, consider using simpler alternatives like "how useful it is" or "how practical it is".