proved useful

USAGE SUMMARY

"proved useful" is a perfectly correct phrase in written English.
You could use it when you want to express that something has been beneficial or helpful. For example, "The online learning resources I consulted during the quarantine proved useful in helping me to understand the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anthropometry proved useful, but fingerprinting, which was then coming into use in Britain, held more promise.

The New Yorker

It had proved useful.

The New Yorker

It has proved useful.

The Economist

But those proved useful.

The New York Times

The controversy proved useful.

The New York Times

This proved useful.

The New Yorker

Even Heywood's banking experience and contacts proved useful.

The Guardian

This proved useful not just to viewers at home.

The Guardian

Street View has proved useful for this in the past.

The Guardian - Travel

The devices have already proved useful for law enforcement.

The New York Times - Tech

His own training in accounting has also proved useful.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proved useful" to clearly indicate that something has provided a practical benefit or positive outcome. This phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "proved useful" is generally acceptable, consider stronger alternatives like "demonstrated its efficacy" or "yielded significant benefits" in highly formal academic or professional contexts. These alternatives can add more weight and precision to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proved useful" typically functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes a subject by indicating that it has been shown to be beneficial or effective in a specific context. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various scenarios, indicating its adaptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proved useful" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express that something has been beneficial or effective. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application across diverse contexts, especially in news and media, and scientific publications. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, consider more sophisticated alternatives for highly formal settings to enhance precision and impact. Remember to use this phrase when you want to clearly state that something has demonstrated its value or positive impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turned out to be helpful

This alternative focuses on the outcome or result of something being useful.

demonstrated its value

This phrase emphasizes the worth or importance that something has shown.

was shown to be effective

This alternative highlights the effectiveness or successfulness of something.

served its purpose well

This phrase emphasizes the intended function and how well it was fulfilled.

became an asset

This focuses on the contribution or benefit something provided.

offered a benefit

This alternative emphasizes the positive outcome or advantage provided.

yielded positive results

This focuses on the favorable outcomes achieved.

was instrumental

This suggests that something was crucial or played a key role.

proved to be advantageous

This implies that something provided an edge or advantage.

contributed positively

This focuses on the contribution something made to a situation or outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "proved useful" to indicate that something was helpful or effective in a particular situation. For example, "The new software "proved useful" in streamlining our workflow."

What are some alternatives to saying "proved useful"?

Alternatives to "proved useful" include phrases like "turned out to be helpful", "was shown to be effective", or "served its purpose well", depending on the specific context.

Is "proved useful" formal or informal?

"Proved useful" is generally considered appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal writing, you might consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "demonstrated its value" or "yielded positive results".

What's the difference between "proved useful" and "was useful"?

"Proved useful" suggests that the usefulness was demonstrated or confirmed over time or through experience. "Was useful" simply states that something had utility. The former carries a stronger sense of validation.