not much use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not much use" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to convey that something is not very helpful or effective. Example: "Unfortunately, my old computer is not much use anymore. I think it's time to invest in a new one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Otherwise not much use".

The Guardian

Not much use of tight ends".

The New York Times - Sports

But that's not much use for Rebecca.

Independent

A kindly gesture, but not much use.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In practice, this is is not much use, however.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Of course, they are not much use to the thrifty.

The Guardian - Business

Lots of scampering, not much use of the feet.

The Guardian - Sport

If they are completely supine, they are not much use.

The Economist

So they're not much use in studying fast processes.

MIT Technology Review

It proposes that prevention is not much use – we may as well cut straight to surgery.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was all very ingenious, but I am not much use at them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not much use" to concisely express that something is ineffective or unhelpful in a given situation. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider synonyms for increased precision.

Common error

Avoid using "not much use" when something is completely useless. The phrase implies some limited functionality, so use stronger terms like 'completely useless' or 'entirely ineffective' if there's no benefit at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not much use" primarily functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a limited degree of utility or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Opinion

10%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not much use" serves as a common and correct way to express that something lacks significant utility or effectiveness. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically sound and appears frequently in reputable sources across various contexts, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the limited, rather than complete absence of, usefulness. For situations requiring stronger emphasis, consider alternatives like ""relatively useless"" or "of no use". This comprehensive analysis provides a clear understanding of the phrase's usage, alternatives, and potential pitfalls, enhancing writing precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively useless

This alternative replaces the phrase with a more direct synonym, emphasizing the lack of utility.

largely ineffective

This phrase focuses on the lack of effectiveness rather than utility, implying failure to achieve the desired result.

scarcely helpful

Emphasizes the lack of helpfulness, suggesting minimal assistance or benefit.

of limited value

Indicates that something has some value, but not much, focusing on the degree of usefulness.

pretty unhelpful

Uses a more informal tone to convey a similar lack of assistance or utility.

hardly beneficial

Highlights the lack of positive effects or advantages provided.

not particularly valuable

Similar to 'of limited value' but more explicit about the lack of worth.

essentially worthless

Strongly emphasizes the lack of value, indicating near-total uselessness.

serves little purpose

Focuses on the lack of a meaningful function or aim.

doesn't offer much advantage

Highlights the lack of benefits or advantages provided.

FAQs

How can I use "not much use" in a sentence?

You can use "not much use" to indicate that something is not very helpful or effective. For example, "That tool is "not much use" for this particular task."

What can I say instead of "not much use"?

Alternatives include "relatively useless", "largely ineffective", or "of limited value", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "not of much use" instead of "not much use"?

Both "not much use" and "not of much use" are grammatically correct, but "not much use" is more common and concise. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and flow of the sentence.

What's the difference between "not much use" and "of no use"?

"Not much use" suggests some limited utility, while "of no use" implies complete uselessness. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of ineffectiveness.