probably useful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "probably useful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a likelihood that something may be beneficial or helpful, but without certainty. Example: "This new software update is probably useful for improving system performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I think it's probably useful for us to review how the funding has gone, how local law enforcement has used grant dollars, to make sure that what they're purchasing is stuff that they actually need," said Obama.

The Guardian

"I think it's probably useful for us to review how the funding has gone, how local law enforcement has used grant dollars, to make sure that what they're purchasing is stuff that they actually need," He added.

Huffington Post

Bennell was flash: he could do tricks with a ball that left his players in awe, and he could be charmingly persuasive, which was probably useful for someone who used to have a clothes stall on Manchester's Underground Market.

The Guardian - Sport

If the purpose of the study is to detect any distributional difference, using a non-parametric test is probably useful.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Also somewhat creepy but probably useful is that Cloud Cam has two-way audio to use your app to "tell your dog at home to stop barking or let your family know you're leaving work".

TechCrunch

It was probably useful to have the English-speaking Khadr as a translator.

The New Yorker

(In all fairness, this is probably useful information for someone age fourteen or so).

The New Yorker

But it's probably useful, and it is mostly ignored by our measures of progress.

The New York Times

But they are both probably useful for a person trying to live a well-considered life.

The New York Times

Yesterday, Bryden said the "For Sale" sign is "still in the garage, but it's probably useful we didn't burn it".

The New York Times - Sports

But for sports where it is especially important to be flexible, it is probably useful, they said.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "probably useful"; in more formal settings, alternatives like "likely beneficial" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "probably useful" when strong evidence supports a definitive statement about something's usefulness. In such cases, use stronger language like "definitely useful" or "highly effective".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "probably useful" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It expresses a qualified assessment of the noun's utility, indicating a likelihood of being helpful or beneficial without absolute certainty. Ludwig AI provides many examples of this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "probably useful" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a qualified assessment of something's utility. According to Ludwig AI, it's widely used across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Scientific domains. While expressing a likelihood of benefit, it avoids definitive claims, and choosing appropriate alternatives like "likely beneficial" or "possibly helpful" depends on the specific context and desired level of certainty. Avoid overstating certainty by using stronger language when the evidence warrants it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely beneficial

Emphasizes the positive outcome or advantage that is likely to result.

possibly helpful

Suggests a potential for assistance or improvement, with a slightly weaker level of certainty.

potentially valuable

Highlights the inherent worth or significance that something might possess.

conceivably advantageous

Indicates that something could offer benefits, although it may not be immediately apparent.

might be beneficial

Expresses a tentative possibility of a positive impact or gain.

could prove useful

Suggests that the utility of something may become apparent over time.

may be helpful

Similar to 'possibly helpful' but conveys a slightly more formal tone.

worth considering

Implies that something is deserving of attention due to its potential benefits.

sensibly applicable

Focuses more on the logical or reasonable application of something.

plausibly effective

Suggests that something could produce the desired result in a believable or credible way.

FAQs

What does "probably useful" mean?

The phrase "probably useful" means that something has a good chance of being helpful or beneficial, but it's not a certainty. It indicates a qualified assessment of utility.

What can I say instead of "probably useful"?

You can use alternatives like "likely beneficial", "possibly helpful", or "potentially valuable" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "probably useful" or "certainly useful"?

The choice depends on the degree of certainty. Use "certainly useful" when there's strong evidence of something's utility. Use "probably useful" when you're less sure.

How do I use "probably useful" in a sentence?

You can use "probably useful" to describe something that is likely to provide a benefit or advantage. For example: "This tool is probably useful for solving that problem."