prove useful

USAGE SUMMARY

"prove useful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something as having been beneficial or helpful. For example, "This book has proven useful in helping me understand the concepts of physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That burying instinct could soon prove useful.

The Economist

Those are differences that can prove useful.

The New Yorker

They may prove useful as sensors.

The New York Times - Science

Nanotubes may also prove useful as sensors.

The New York Times - Science

Still, some impressions may prove useful.

The New York Times

In that sense the Scottish experience could prove useful.

The Guardian - Opinion

Legume-projectile criticism could prove useful at readings here.

The New York Times - Magazine

Epidemiologists said they were hopeful the project would prove useful.

The New York Times

That could prove useful against the speedy Tampa Bay forwards.

The New York Times - Sports

One of these skills would prove useful in life.

The New York Times - Books

And here the Basic Treaty may prove useful.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prove useful" to highlight the actual or potential benefits of a particular action, tool, or strategy. For instance, "Implementing this new software could prove useful in streamlining our operations."

Common error

Avoid using "prove useful" in overly passive or indirect sentences. Instead of saying "It is believed that this method will prove useful", opt for a more direct approach like "This method will likely prove useful", which adds clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prove useful" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "prove" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "useful". It signifies something's capacity or ability to be helpful or beneficial, as demonstrated by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prove useful" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey that something has the potential or has demonstrated the ability to be helpful or beneficial. Ludwig AI validates the grammatical correctness and wide applicability of the expression, highlighting its prevalence in news, scientific, and business contexts. When writing, remember to use "prove useful" to emphasize demonstrated benefits and avoid overly passive constructions. Related phrases include "be valuable", "be beneficial", and "come in handy", which offer nuanced variations in meaning. From this analysis you can conclude that "prove useful" is a solid choice for expressing usefulness in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be beneficial

Highlights the positive impact and favorable results.

be valuable

Stresses the worth and importance of something.

be advantageous

Focuses on the benefits and advantages provided.

be effective

Highlights the success in achieving a desired result.

turn out to be helpful

Emphasizes the outcome and realization of usefulness over time.

be instrumental

Highlights a crucial role in achieving a particular outcome.

be of service

Suggests a more direct and active form of assistance.

come in handy

Suggests convenience and practical usefulness, often in unexpected situations.

serve a purpose

Indicates fulfilling a specific need or function.

be productive

Emphasizes the ability to produce significant or positive results.

FAQs

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

You can use "prove useful" to describe something that has been or is expected to be helpful or beneficial. For example, "This research might "prove useful" in developing new treatments."

What are some alternatives to saying "prove useful"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be beneficial", "be valuable", or "come in handy", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "prove useful" or "be useful"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""prove useful"" suggests that the usefulness has been demonstrated over time, while "be useful" simply states a potential or existing benefit.

In what situations is "prove useful" most appropriate?

"Prove useful" is best used when you want to emphasize that something's usefulness has been or will be demonstrated through experience or application. It often implies a test or trial period where the benefit is confirmed.