of some use

USAGE SUMMARY

"of some use" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is useful in a limited capacity, or that is useful in certain contexts. For example, "The old wooden toolbox may still be of some use in a craft project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Make myself of some use".

The New Yorker

Maybe this will be of some use to you.

The New Yorker

Hopefully this will be of some use for cardiac electrophysiogists.

Yale University

Neither is there candor, and here I may be of some use.

The New York Times - Books

Insect repellents are of some use, but are not always effective against tsetse flies.

The Guardian - Travel

It's an important story, which shows journalists are of some use after all.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

By Robert M. Coates and Weimar The New Yorker, August 1 , 1931 P. 7Talk story of some uses of the diamond in industry.

The New Yorker

I don't have fish, but I can think of some uses for this thing.

TechCrunch

I hope the above is of some use--metta.

Huffington Post

Every activity of man involves some use of water.

Yale University

About 13% of employers reported some use of zero-hours contracts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be specific about the context in which something is "of some use". For example, "This tool is of some use when dealing with small-scale projects, but it's not suitable for larger ones."

Common error

Avoid using "of some use" when something is actually very important or critical. Overstating the importance diminishes the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of some use" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a limited degree of utility or helpfulness. It suggests that something is not entirely useless but also not exceptionally beneficial. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "of some use" is a versatile phrase indicating a limited degree of utility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While it's commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic writing, it's important to consider the specific context and desired level of impact. To avoid overstatement, reserve "of some use" for situations where something is partially helpful, and explore stronger alternatives when more significant utility is implied. As highlighted by Ludwig examples, mastering these nuances can enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has limited utility

Directly points out the restricted applicability.

somewhat helpful

Emphasizes a moderate level of assistance.

to a limited extent useful

Explicitly states the boundaries of its usefulness.

partially beneficial

Highlights that the benefit is not complete or total.

offers slight assistance

Underscores the minimal level of help it provides.

serviceable to a degree

Indicates it meets a basic need or function but may not be ideal.

moderately advantageous

Focuses on the positive aspect, but not overwhelmingly so.

can be applied in certain cases

Highlights conditional use and situational relevance.

marginally effective

Suggests a minimal impact or result.

may prove helpful under specific conditions

Emphasis on certain circumstances under which it may be useful.

FAQs

How can I use "of some use" in a sentence?

You can use "of some use" to describe something that has a limited degree of helpfulness or utility. For example, "The information I found online was "of some use", but it didn't completely solve my problem."

What are some alternatives to saying "of some use"?

Alternatives include "somewhat helpful", "partially beneficial", or "marginally effective" depending on the context and the degree of utility you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "of some use" instead of "very useful"?

"Of some use" is appropriate when something offers a limited degree of help, while "very useful" should be used when something provides significant assistance or benefit. If it’s "extremely helpful", don’t diminish its impact by saying it's only "of some use".

Is "of some use" formal or informal?

"Of some use" is considered a neutral phrase and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might opt for a more precise or sophisticated alternative like "moderately advantageous" or "serviceable to a degree".