to be very helpful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be very helpful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone or something that provides significant assistance or support. Example: "The resources provided by the organization are designed to be very helpful for new volunteers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"I don't think that's actually going to be very helpful".

The New York Times

"It has proven to be very helpful, much more than we ever expected," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

I have found my recently adopted Adderall regimen to be very helpful.

The New Yorker

If your inclination is in any case towards men this is not going to be very helpful.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The borehole is going to be very helpful because this village does not have water," said 36-year-old John Bosco Engwau as he keenly watched the drilling.

The Guardian

David Martin, location manager for "Loverboy," found the film office to be "very helpful," especially in steering him to the correct jurisdiction to gain permits.

The New York Times

Ginger, long recognized as a gastrointestinal calmative, has been shown in controlled studies to be very helpful, even for carsick dogs and children.

The New York Times - Science

Which certainly is going to be very helpful.

Forbes

"For that person, this is going to be very helpful".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

If you get stuck, I have found the Logitech phone support to be very helpful.

TechCrunch

Among others, the symbolic observation graph based approach has proven to be very helpful for efficient model checking in general.

Data & Knowledge Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be very helpful", ensure the context clearly specifies who or what benefits from the assistance. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "to be very helpful" without specifying how or why something is helpful. Generic statements lack impact; detail the specific benefits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be very helpful" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as a predicate adjective complementing a subject. As indicated by Ludwig, it correctly describes something that offers significant assistance or support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

37%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be very helpful" is a common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to describe something that provides significant assistance or support. According to Ludwig, it's versatile enough for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific research. While it’s generally acceptable, ensuring specificity in its usage—detailing how and why something is helpful—enhances clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "to be quite beneficial" and "to be extremely useful" can offer nuanced emphasis. The high frequency and diverse source representation confirm its widespread applicability in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be quite beneficial

Emphasizes the positive impact or advantage provided, rather than just assistance.

to be extremely useful

Focuses on the practical applicability and effectiveness of something.

to be of great assistance

Formal and emphasizes the act of helping someone.

to be a significant contribution

Highlights the importance of the help provided.

to be particularly advantageous

Stresses the favorable circumstances or benefits resulting from something.

to be notably supportive

Emphasizes the encouragement and backing provided.

to be remarkably effective

Highlights the successful outcome or impact of an action or tool.

to be invaluable

Indicates that something is so helpful that it's priceless.

to be a boon

A more formal way to describe something very helpful.

to serve a purpose

Indicates that something has utility or reason to exist.

FAQs

How can I use "to be very helpful" in a sentence?

You can use "to be very helpful" to describe something providing assistance, for example: "The new software is designed "to be very helpful" for managing complex projects."

What are some alternatives to "to be very helpful"?

You can use alternatives like "to be quite beneficial", "to be extremely useful", or "to be of great assistance" depending on the specific context.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "To be very helpful" emphasizes a higher degree of assistance or utility compared to simply "to be helpful". The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

In what contexts is "to be very helpful" most appropriate?

The phrase "to be very helpful" is suitable in a variety of contexts, especially when describing tools, methods, or advice that significantly aid in achieving a particular outcome. It's commonly used in news, science, and business contexts to highlight the benefits of something.