limit usefulness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "limit usefulness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the constraints or restrictions that reduce the effectiveness or practicality of something. Example: "The outdated technology may limit usefulness in modern applications, making it difficult to compete."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

That could limit usefulness of the test, some analysts have said.

The New York Times

Cons: Goes easy on the notifications – you might miss someone!; relying on Facebook data may limit usefulness for some.

TechCrunch

Cons: May drain your battery until improvements are made; those "friends of friends" notifications will blow up your phone at SXSW; relying on Facebook data may limit usefulness for some.

TechCrunch

Emergence of the mph(A) gene in S. sonnei may limit usefulness of azithromycin for treatment of shigellosis.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

ZFN-and TALEN-based methods are complex to use and costly, and therefore have limited usefulness in practice.

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

However, current neural recording electrode technology is not reliable for long-term use, and a brief device lifetime ultimately limits usefulness to potential patients [ 15– 15].

Biomedical Optics Express

This may have limited usefulness if you are dealing with squirrels that are used to humans, though.

WikiHow

Corticosteroids have not been proven useful in the animal models [ 16]; they have limited usefulness in humans as well.

BioMed Research International

Furthermore, where programs do exist, these are costly and have limited usefulness in the communities that have low literacy levels and limited access to technology.

BMC Public Health

It has limited usefulness now, as a proxy for ancestral geographic region".

The New York Times - Health

While the process may eventually have limited usefulness in police work, it marginalizes women.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "limit usefulness", clearly specify what factor is causing the limitation and the specific context where the usefulness is affected. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid stating that something "limit usefulness" without providing specific details. Instead, provide a clear explanation of why and how the usefulness is being limited. For example, instead of saying "The feature limit usefulness", say "The high cost of the feature limit usefulness for small businesses".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "limit usefulness" functions as a verb phrase indicating a reduction or restriction in the practical value or effectiveness of something. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is usable in written English. The phrase often connects a specific factor or condition to its negative impact on usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "limit usefulness" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to denote a reduction in the effectiveness or practical value of something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is viable and well-understood in English. While the phrase can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it is often found in scientific and news-related domains. Common writing errors include overgeneralization, so it's vital to explain why and how usefulness is limited. Alternatives such as "reduce effectiveness" or "constrain applicability" can add more specific connotations. By providing clear details and choosing precise language, you can effectively communicate the limitations associated with a given subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduce effectiveness

Focuses on the diminished impact or result of something.

constrain applicability

Highlights the restrictions placed on the range or scope of something.

restrict utility

Emphasizes the reduced practical value or benefit.

impair functionality

Suggests a compromised or weakened operational capacity.

hinder practicality

Indicates an obstacle to the feasibility or convenience of something.

curtail advantage

Focuses on the reduction of a beneficial aspect or edge.

diminish serviceability

Highlights a decrease in the ability to provide a service or function effectively.

affect value

Indicates that the worth or merit is compromised in certain circumstances.

reduce the scope

Focuses on decreasing the extend or range of something

compromise functionality

Highlights the harmful effect on the utility or effectiveness of something

FAQs

How can I use "limit usefulness" in a sentence?

You can use "limit usefulness" to describe factors that reduce the effectiveness or applicability of something. For example: "The outdated technology may "limit usefulness" in modern applications."

What are some alternatives to "limit usefulness"?

Alternatives include "reduce effectiveness", "constrain applicability", or "restrict utility", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when something "limit usefulness"?

It means that a particular aspect or characteristic diminishes its practical value or effectiveness in certain situations or applications.

Is "limit usefulness" a formal or informal phrase?

"Limit usefulness" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from a synonym that better reflects the specific nuance you are trying to convey, such as "restrict utility".