may prove useful

USAGE SUMMARY

'may prove useful' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest that something might be useful in a particular situation. For example, "My previous experience in this field may prove useful in helping me find a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They may prove useful as sensors.

The New York Times - Science

Still, some impressions may prove useful.

The New York Times

And here the Basic Treaty may prove useful.

The Economist

High-definition cameras may prove useful in cancer diagnosis and treatment, too.

The New York Times - Tech

Jazzy visual aids may prove useful, but are not necessarily the answer.

The Guardian

However, DB may prove useful for investigating weakly reinforced learning.

Physiology & Behavior

This may prove useful in the management of neuro-AIDS.

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy

However, Facebook Home (a new Facebook-baked Android skin) may prove useful as teens' interest wanes.

TechCrunch

Even a Snapchat or Instagram account may prove useful later.

Huffington Post

The knowledge gained here may prove useful in drug design.

Plosone

In these cases, fludrocortisone or midodrine may prove useful.

Clinical Epidemiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "may prove useful", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject might be useful for. This enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "may prove useful" when there is strong evidence or a high degree of certainty that something will be useful. In such cases, a more assertive phrase would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may prove useful" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a degree of possibility or potential. It suggests that something has the capacity to be beneficial or helpful, but its usefulness is not yet certain. According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may prove useful" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that suggests the potential for something to be beneficial. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase is common in both Science and News & Media contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When employing this expression, it's important to ensure that the context clearly outlines the intended area of usefulness. While the phrase can be adapted for more formal contexts using alternatives like "could be beneficial", caution should be exercised not to use it when a higher degree of certainty exists.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be beneficial

Focuses on the positive outcome or advantage that might result.

might be advantageous

Emphasizes the potential for gaining an edge or favorable position.

could turn out to be helpful

Highlights the possibility of providing assistance or support.

might serve a purpose

Suggests that something could fulfill a specific need or function.

could have utility

Emphasizes the practical application or usefulness of something.

might offer assistance

Highlights the potential for providing help or support.

could lend itself to

Suggests suitability or applicability in a particular situation.

might be of some value

Indicates a degree of worth or importance, though perhaps not substantial.

could be of service

Emphasizes the potential to provide assistance or meet a need.

might hold promise

Suggests the potential for future success or positive outcomes.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "may prove useful" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "could be beneficial", "might be advantageous", or "could have utility".

Is it correct to say "might prove useful" instead of "may prove useful"?

Yes, "might prove useful" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning to "may prove useful". Both indicate a possibility or potential.

What's the difference between "may be useful" and "may prove useful"?

"May be useful" suggests current potential, whereas "may prove useful" implies that usefulness will be demonstrated or confirmed in the future.

How to use "may prove useful" in a sentence?

You can use "may prove useful" to suggest that something could be helpful or beneficial in a particular situation. For example, "This new approach "could be helpful" in solving the problem".