to benefit

USAGE SUMMARY

"to benefit" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an advantage or result of something. For example: "We implemented new processes designed to benefit our employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Almost certain to benefit.

Independent

"So everyone stands to benefit".

The New York Times

And there are ways to benefit.

The New Yorker

The valley stood to benefit handsomely.

The New Yorker

Many more are yet to benefit.

The Economist

Again, though, locals have yet to benefit.

Independent

Likely to benefit from the tax cut.

Independent

Peripheral industries stand to benefit as well.

The New York Times

Households are expected to benefit, too.

The New York Times

Priceline has positioned itself to benefit.

The New York Times

Mr. Madoff deliberately stole to benefit himself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to benefit", ensure the subject that benefits is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overstating the potential benefits. Clearly define the specific advantages and for whom they apply, rather than making generalized claims that may not be accurate or credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to benefit" functions primarily as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason or aim behind an action. It explains why something is being done, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to benefit" is a versatile phrase used to express the purpose or positive outcome of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to clearly identify who or what is receiving the advantage to avoid ambiguity. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, indicating its broad applicability in reporting and discussing intended outcomes. Remember to focus on realistic and specific advantages when employing this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the benefit of

This alternative emphasizes the recipient of the advantage.

in order to help

This alternative specifies the action of providing assistance.

so as to aid

This alternative is a more formal way of expressing the intention to assist.

with the aim of improving

This alternative highlights the goal of making something better.

for the purpose of assisting

This alternative clearly states the intention to provide help.

in the interest of furthering

This alternative suggests advancing a cause or goal.

with a view to enhancing

This alternative focuses on the intention to improve the quality or value.

to contribute towards

This alternative suggests making a positive impact.

geared towards assisting

This alternative is used to describe something set up to assist.

with intent to serve

This alternative is used to describe something used for serving.

FAQs

How can I use "to benefit" in a sentence?

Use "to benefit" to express the purpose or result of an action that provides an advantage or help. For example, "The new policy is designed "to benefit" all employees".

What are some alternatives to using "to benefit"?

Alternatives include "for the benefit of", "in order to help", or "so as to aid", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. Each emphasizes slightly different aspects of providing an advantage.

Is it always clear who or what is meant when using "to benefit"?

Not always. To avoid ambiguity, clearly specify who or what is receiving the advantage. For instance, instead of saying "The changes are to benefit", specify "The changes are "to benefit" the students".

What is the difference between "to benefit" and "beneficial"?

"To benefit" is a verb phrase indicating the act of receiving an advantage, while "beneficial" is an adjective describing something that provides an advantage. For example, "The program is designed "to benefit" children", while "The program is "beneficial" to children".