possibly useful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "possibly useful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that something may have value or benefit, but it is not certain. Example: "This information is possibly useful for your research on climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The provision of ambient search is explored, taking the user's ongoing writing as a source for the generation of search terms used to provide possibly useful results.

Information Processing & Management

In this retrospective study, we attempted to evaluate all potential risk factors for uterine perforation associated with the use of IUDs by Chinese women and provide suggestions possibly useful for the management of IUD migrations.

Gynecological Surgery

The present study investigated the potential use and effectiveness of expansive clay stabilization using a mixture of cement and silica fume (CSF) as a possibly useful option from environmental, economic, and (or) technical perspectives.

Applied Clay Science

Small (and possibly useful) shops rather than chain stores.

The Guardian - Arts

Math tools has programs for some possibly useful computations.

University of California, Berkeley

Currently, there are two models that seem to be possibly useful for my purposes.

Yale University

Not too exciting, but possibly useful if you're a researcher at MIT.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Maximizing consumers are just a metaphor, possibly useful in making sense of behavior, but possibly not.

The New York Times

It seems that she will do anything for him, even insinuate herself with a possibly useful government agent.

The New York Times - Books

Federal threat assessments are sometimes kept secret to prevent foes from gaining possibly useful information from them.

The New York Times - Science

That makes it possibly useful, like Truvada, for pre-exposure prophylaxis, but without the need to remember a daily pill.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "possibly useful" to indicate that something has potential value, but it is not guaranteed. It's a good way to introduce an idea or suggestion tentatively.

Common error

Avoid using "possibly useful" when you have concrete evidence of something's effectiveness. In such cases, opt for stronger language like "demonstrably effective" or "highly beneficial".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "possibly useful" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a potential for utility or benefit. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is considered grammatically correct. The examples show it used to describe shops, tools, computations, therapies, and more.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "possibly useful" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to indicate potential utility or benefit. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and shows its versatility across various domains, including science, news media, and academia. While generally neutral in tone, its prevalent use in scientific and news contexts suggests a slightly more formal leaning. When writing, be mindful of overstating certainty and ensure the phrase aligns with the intended level of confidence. Consider alternatives like "potentially helpful" or "may be valuable" to fine-tune the nuance of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potentially beneficial

Emphasizes the inherent goodness or advantage something could provide.

potentially helpful

Focuses on the assistance something might offer in a given situation.

conceivably advantageous

Highlights the possible benefits, often in a more formal or strategic context.

might be valuable

Stresses the worth or importance something could possess.

could prove useful

Suggests that usefulness will be confirmed by future events or experience.

may be of assistance

Offers a more formal and polite way to indicate potential help.

could be of service

Implies a capacity to provide aid or support.

potentially worthwhile

Highlights that something can be rewarding for the user.

might come in handy

An informal expression suggesting something may be useful in a future situation.

possibly advantageous

More formal alternative that highlights the potential for gains or benefits.

FAQs

How can I use "possibly useful" in a sentence?

You can use "possibly useful" to suggest that something might have value or benefit, but it is not certain. For example, "This information is "possibly useful" for your research."

What are some alternatives to "possibly useful"?

Alternatives include "potentially helpful", "may be valuable", or "might be beneficial" depending on the context.

Is "possibly useful" formal or informal?

"Possibly useful" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

When should I avoid using "possibly useful"?

Avoid using "possibly useful" when you want to express a stronger degree of certainty or confidence in something's value or benefit. Consider alternatives like "definitely useful" or "highly effective" in such cases.