may be of use

USAGE SUMMARY

'may be of use' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you describe something that might be helpful or beneficial. For example, "Having a spare tire in the trunk may be of use if you get a flat tire on your way home."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What I'd like to add is some of the ways it may be of use to us as a publisher of online content.

The Guardian

Ongoing research is investigating whether other psychotropic medications may be of use for recovery from anorexia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

CNet has been diversifying away from technology into some other areas that may be of use for CBS.

The New York Times

When historians of culture look back at this wave of globalization, the song's lyrics may be of use.

The New York Times

It's a contemporary twist on riddle that has been around since medieval times, and may be of use to revellers out partying today.

The Guardian

"They're combing the house trying to find anything that may be of use in the investigation," an F.B.I. spokeswoman, Lisa Bull, said today.

The New York Times

They may be of use to psychiatrists and law enforcement officers whose job it is to identify potential killers and thwart their ambitions.

The Guardian

This may be of use in orthopedics and rehabilitation.

Carbon

Conversely, dopamine antagonists may be of use in migraine treatment.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The clusters we find may be of use in personalized medicine.

Brain Informatics

Additionally, assessment of LV diastolic properties and LV filling pressures estimation may be of use.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When suggesting a course of action or tool, use "may be of use" to present it as a potential option, not a mandatory one. This encourages exploration and avoids imposing solutions.

Common error

Avoid using "will be of use" when the benefit is not yet proven or guaranteed. "May be of use" acknowledges uncertainty and avoids misleading the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be of use" functions as a qualifying expression, indicating that something has the potential to be helpful or beneficial. It suggests a possibility rather than a certainty, adding a layer of nuance to recommendations or suggestions. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

23%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be of use" is a versatile phrase employed to express potential utility or benefit, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a qualifying expression, suggesting a possibility rather than a certainty, and is appropriate for a neutral register. As the examples on Ludwig show, while prevalent in scientific and news contexts, it can be widely applied. Remember to use it when you want to offer a suggestion without overstating its certainty, and consider alternatives like ""could be helpful"" or ""might be beneficial"" to tailor your language to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be helpful

Replaces "of use" with the more direct adjective "helpful".

might be beneficial

Substitutes "of use" with the synonym "beneficial", emphasizing a positive outcome.

could prove useful

Replaces "may be" with "could prove", highlighting a future benefit.

might find application

Emphasizes the practical application of something, rather than just its potential.

could serve a purpose

Focuses on the functionality and intended use.

might be advantageous

Highlights the benefits or advantages that something could provide.

could offer assistance

Specifically suggests that something can provide help or support.

might be relevant

Indicates that something could be pertinent or applicable to a particular situation.

could contribute

Suggests something might add value or support to a process or goal.

might play a role

Suggests that something may have an influence or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "may be of use" in a sentence?

You can use "may be of use" to suggest that something could be helpful or beneficial in a particular situation. For instance, "This tool "may be of use" in analyzing the data".

What are some alternatives to "may be of use"?

Alternatives include "could be helpful", "might be beneficial", or "could prove useful", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "may be of use" or "will be of use"?

"May be of use" is more appropriate when the usefulness is uncertain or potential. "Will be of use" implies a higher degree of certainty. Use ""may be of use"" when suggesting a possibility, not a guarantee.

What is the difference between "may be of use" and "might be of use"?

The difference is subtle. Both express possibility, but "might be of use" can suggest a slightly lower probability or a more tentative suggestion compared to ""may be of use"".