to have value

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to have value" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the worth or importance of something in various contexts, such as economics, philosophy, or personal beliefs. Example: "In today's market, it is essential for a product to have value in order to attract consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The exact time a building comes down is when it ceases to have value.

The New Yorker

For such credits to have value, a limit on emissions must exist, the company officials say.

The New York Times

Things don't need to be of concrete use in order to have value.

The New Yorker

"It doesn't need to take over your life to have value.

The New York Times

But for Abacus to have value, investors needed to be found to bet the other way.

The Economist

It's important to keep these pages accessible and to have value for all without dumbing them down".

The Guardian

Most of the assets in the S.& L. crisis were real estate — which are always going to have value.

The New York Times

The evening news continues to have value for millions of people, but millions more are now turning to the Internet.

The New Yorker

If the Amber system is to have value, it must be crafted and assessed with calm deliberation.

The New York Times

"We want our children to have value education in local color," The Hindustan Times quoted Narottam Mishra, the state's education minister, as saying.

The New York Times

Each document was being carefully copied, he said, and the originals would be retained if they were considered to have value.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to have value", ensure the context clearly defines what kind of value you are referring to (e.g., monetary, sentimental, practical).

Common error

Avoid using "to have value" in overly general statements. Instead, specify the kind of value, or use a more descriptive phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to have value" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as a complement to a verb or as part of a larger clause. It signifies that something possesses worth, importance, or usefulness. Ludwig's examples illustrate the phrase's versatility in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to have value" is a common and versatile expression used to indicate that something possesses worth, importance, or usefulness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and scientific sources. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specifying the type of value you are referring to will improve communication. While alternatives such as "to be valuable" or "to possess worth" exist, "to have value" remains a straightforward and widely accepted choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be valuable

Changes the verb from "have" to "be" followed by the adjective "valuable", slightly shifting the emphasis.

to possess worth

Replaces "value" with "worth", which is a direct synonym but offers a more formal tone.

to hold significance

Shifts from economic or material worth to a broader sense of importance or meaning.

to carry weight

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate influence or importance.

to be of importance

Emphasizes the state of being important rather than possessing value.

to prove beneficial

Focuses on the positive outcomes or advantages something can provide.

to offer advantages

Highlights the benefits or superior qualities something brings.

to be advantageous

Similar to "to prove beneficial", but more directly emphasizes the helpful nature of something.

to serve a purpose

Focuses on the functionality and usefulness of something.

to be meaningful

Highlights the importance or significance, often in a personal or emotional context.

FAQs

How can I use "to have value" in a sentence?

You can use "to have value" to indicate that something is considered important, useful, or worthwhile. For instance, "For the investment "to have value", it must generate returns".

What are some alternatives to "to have value"?

Alternatives include "to be valuable", "to possess worth", or "to hold significance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what kind of value something has when using "to have value"?

While not always mandatory, specifying the type of value (e.g., economic, aesthetic, intrinsic) can enhance clarity and prevent misinterpretations. For instance, stating "The painting is thought "to have value", which is aesthetic" clarifies the nature of its worth.

What's the difference between "to have value" and "to be valuable"?

"To have value" emphasizes the possession of worth, while "to be valuable" emphasizes the state of being worthy. The distinction is subtle, and they are often interchangeable.