to be useful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be useful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the purpose or function of something, indicating that it serves a beneficial role. Example: "The new software is designed to be useful for improving productivity in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That had to be useful.

The New Yorker

Time to be useful".

The Guardian

He wants to be useful again.

The New York Times - Books

"I'm here to be useful".

The Guardian - Sport

She wanted to be useful".

The New York Times

"We have to be useful guides".

The New York Times

Have you found it to be useful?

The Guardian - Business

"But he wanted to be useful".

The New York Times

Nonetheless, he wanted to be useful.

The New Yorker

I want a poem to be useful.

The Guardian - Books

In what situations might these measurements prove to be useful?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the merits of a product or service, use "to be useful" to highlight its practical applications and how it solves a specific problem for the user.

Common error

Avoid using "to be useful" repetitively in formal reports or academic papers. Instead, diversify your language by incorporating synonyms such as "to be beneficial", "to serve a purpose", or "to have utility" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a broader vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be useful" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase acting as an adjective complement. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is considered correct and commonly used, serving to describe the potential or actual utility of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be useful" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating the potential or actual benefit and practicality of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, alternatives like "to be beneficial" or "to serve a purpose" may enhance formal tones. Remember to leverage its strengths by highlighting practical applications while avoiding overuse in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to serve a purpose

Replaces "useful" with a more general term, focusing on the existence of a reason or goal.

to be of assistance

Shifts the focus towards providing help or support to someone.

to have utility

Emphasizes the practical value or functionality of something.

to be effective

Highlights the ability to produce a desired result or outcome.

to be beneficial

Focuses on the positive or advantageous impact of something.

to be advantageous

Highlights how the subject creates favorable circumstances or increases chances of success

to contribute value

Highlights the worth or importance that something adds.

to be instrumental

Emphasizes the crucial role or importance of something in achieving a specific outcome.

to provide a benefit

Shifts the focus towards the positive outcome or advantage that something offers.

to be helpful

Indicates the ability to provide aid or support in a particular situation.

FAQs

How can I use "to be useful" in a sentence?

You can use "to be useful" to describe the purpose or function of something, indicating its beneficial role. For example, "The new software is designed "to be useful" for improving productivity."

What are some alternatives to "to be useful"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to be beneficial", "to serve a purpose", or "to have utility".

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

The choice depends on the context. "To be useful" emphasizes practicality and functionality, while "to be helpful" focuses on providing assistance or support. Use the one that best fits the intended meaning.

Can "to be useful" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "to be useful" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in formal contexts, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "to be instrumental" or "to contribute value" to enhance the tone.