they are useless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are useless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something or someone lacks value or effectiveness in a particular context. Example: "After trying to fix the old printer for hours, I realized they are useless and need to be replaced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That does not mean they are useless.

The Economist

They are useless without the conversation.

The New York Times

"They are useless," Manyenga said later.

The New Yorker

But they are useless without specialist knowledge.

The Guardian

"They are useless and they will be illegitimate.

Independent

If the tap is elsewhere, they are useless.

The New York Times

Yet if we keep telling women they are useless behind the wheel, the idea gains currency.

Independent

The complaints, tears and reproaches are still with us, and they are useless.

The New York Times

IN MANY biological and industrial processes, reactions must proceed rapidly or they are useless.

The Economist

These kids associate schooling with being shouted at and told they are useless.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Both are free but remember-they are useless without the Duo.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are useless", ensure the context clearly defines what "they" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

While acceptable, "they are useless" can sound overly informal in some contexts. Consider more nuanced alternatives like "they are ineffective" or "they serve no purpose" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are useless" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that something lacks utility or value. Ludwig's examples show it commonly used to express the ineffectiveness or worthlessness of objects, ideas, or actions in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are useless" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying a lack of value or effectiveness. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples shows its presence across diverse sources like news articles, scientific publications, and informal blogs, reflecting its versatility in various communicative contexts. While its directness may require careful consideration in formal settings, the phrase remains a powerful and widely understood way to express worthlessness or futility. Related phrases like "they are ineffective" and "they serve no purpose" provide alternative options with nuanced tones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are ineffective

Emphasizes the lack of desired results or impact.

they are worthless

Highlights the absence of value or merit.

they serve no purpose

Focuses on the lack of a reason or function.

they are of no use

Directly states the inability to be utilized.

they are pointless

Stresses the futility or lack of a meaningful outcome.

they are unproductive

Indicates the failure to yield positive results or output.

they are futile

Suggests the effort is wasted and will not succeed.

they are inconsequential

Downplays the significance or importance.

they are irrelevant

Indicates the lack of connection or pertinence.

they are expendable

Suggests the items can be replaced because they are not important.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "they are useless"?

You can use alternatives like "they are ineffective", "they are worthless", or "they serve no purpose" depending on the context.

How do I use "they are useless" in a sentence?

Use "they are useless" to indicate that something or someone lacks value or effectiveness. For example, "Without the proper tools, these instructions are useless."

Is "they're useless" the same as "they are useless"?

"They're useless" is a contraction of "they are useless", and the two phrases are interchangeable. Contractions are more informal, so "they are useless" might be preferable in formal writing.

When is it appropriate to use "they are useless"?

It's appropriate when you want to directly convey that something or someone has no value or function in a specific situation. However, consider the audience and context, as the phrase can sometimes sound harsh. Alternatives like "they are unhelpful" or "they are ineffective" might be more suitable in certain settings.