useful in preparing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "useful in preparing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that aids or assists in the process of preparation for a task or event. Example: "The guidebook is useful in preparing for the upcoming exam by providing essential study tips and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

While these are useful in preparing us for entry level positions in local journalism, they can feel quite rigid and suffocating.

The Guardian

Safflower oil does not yellow with age, making it useful in preparing varnish and paint.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That could come in handy for anyone trying to find out what kinds of opportunities are more likely to come up, and useful in preparing for an interview.

The New York Times - Tech

Cetyl alcohol also melts at a temperature higher than that of the human body, so it is useful in preparing cosmetic creams (e.g., lipsticks) that are easily molded and softened when warmed by the skin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The technique used by the scientists did not allow for specific earthquake predictions (for example, a forecast of a magnitude 7.4 earthquake next Tuesday at 11 40 am in southern California), but it might be able to provide information that would be useful in preparing for future earthquakes and so reduce the damage they could cause.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our technique is proved useful in preparing scaffolds for bone tissue engineering and other biomedical applications.

Carbohydrate Polymers

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Her ability to produce beautiful clothes under enormous pressure would come in useful if preparing the dress that needs to wow Westminster Abbey and the world on 29 April.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You don't have to fundraise, hire a minibus or get parental permission to go out in the school grounds," says Catherine Andrews, its chief executive, adding that taking pupils outdoors is a useful step in preparing them for a trip further afield.

The Guardian

Research groups with expertise in regional climate models could make a useful contribution in preparing and reporting expected changes in the seasonality and precipitation at these locations, including assessments of the uncertainty, based on models with a higher spatial and temporal resolution, and indeed much ongoing effort is devoted to this very challenge (16).

Global Health Action

The help and advice provided by the blended learning coordinator proved useful in this respect and she felt that this was both useful and timely in preparing for the online module.

Advances in Health Sciences Education

Nominee directors are not illegal and can sometimes be useful, for example in preparing "off-the-shelf" ready-made companies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "useful in preparing", ensure that the context clearly specifies what is being prepared for. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "useful in preparing" without specifying the area or skill for which preparation is intended. For example, instead of saying "This is useful in preparing", clarify with "This is useful in preparing for the exam".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "useful in preparing" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It modifies a noun or pronoun by describing its helpfulness or value in the context of preparation. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is generally accepted and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "useful in preparing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe something that provides assistance or benefit in the process of getting ready for a specific task or event. As indicated by Ludwig, it's considered correct and usable in English writing. The phrase is versatile and can be applied across a range of contexts, from scientific research and news reporting to general knowledge and practical guides. When using this phrase, be mindful of specifying what exactly is being prepared for, to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "helpful for preparing" or "beneficial for preparing" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

helpful for preparing

Replaces "useful in" with "helpful for", maintaining the same meaning but with a slight change in wording.

beneficial for preparing

Substitutes "useful in" with "beneficial for", emphasizing the advantageous aspect of the preparation.

advantageous in preparing

Replaces "useful" with "advantageous", highlighting the favorable nature of the preparation process.

valuable in preparing

Changes "useful" to "valuable", stressing the importance or worth of the preparation.

effective in preparing

Replaces "useful" with "effective", focusing on the success or efficiency of the preparation.

instrumental in preparing

Substitutes "useful" with "instrumental", underscoring the essential role of the preparation.

aiding in preparing

Replaces "useful in" with "aiding in", focusing on the assistance provided during preparation.

assisting in preparing

Similar to "aiding in preparing", this phrase emphasizes the supportive role in the preparation process.

helpful when preparing

Modifies the structure to focus on the helpfulness during the act of preparing, rather than the usefulness for preparing.

good to use when preparing

Offers a more direct and informal way to express the helpfulness of something during preparation.

FAQs

How can I use "useful in preparing" in a sentence?

You can use "useful in preparing" to describe something that aids the process of getting ready for a specific task or event. For example: "This guide is "useful in preparing" for the interview".

What are some alternatives to "useful in preparing"?

Alternatives include "helpful for preparing", "beneficial for preparing", or "valuable in preparing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "useful in preparing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "useful in preparing" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of an adjective ("useful") followed by a preposition ("in") and a gerund ("preparing").

What is the difference between "useful for preparing" and "useful in preparing"?

While both are similar, "useful in preparing" emphasizes the assistance within the process, whereas "useful for preparing" focuses more broadly on the overall purpose. For example: "This course is "useful in preparing" specific reports", versus "This course is "useful for preparing" you for a career in finance".