useful observation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "useful observation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a remark or comment that provides valuable insight or information. Example: "The scientist made a useful observation about the behavior of the subjects during the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

YouGov's Peter Kellner adds this useful observation: "Politicians looking for a lead from the public will look in vain".

The Guardian - Opinion

"Does anyone seriously suppose that Russia will try to annex Rockall in peacetime," questioned a civil servant's memo, "or would be physically able to maintain any sort of a useful observation post there?" The mandarin had a point.

The Guardian - Opinion

'I felt,' confides another former judge, 'that "X is Y's brother" would have been a more useful observation than "haunting prose".' At the moment, it is all about keeping track - what goes into a discard heap after an initial read, what is set aside for more consideration, what is fast-tracked into the 'possible winner' pile.

The Guardian - Books

The creative jumping-off point is the useful observation that one of the best-known myths of Irish culture, the Táin Bó Cúailnge (The cattle raid of Cooley), is just as much about vain and powerful people scrabbling over possessions as it is about great heroics.

The Guardian

It is a theory that is unlikely to win him the presidency but is a useful observation from an ex-insider: that money — which made America what it is, and underwrote its greatness — now threatens to suffocate its democracy, and thus to accelerate a fall.

The New York Times

The proof relies on the following useful observation.

Advances in Difference Equations

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

This collaboration provided us with very useful observations for profitable use of the system.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Let us now make some useful observations: 1.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The application of artists and designers and curators is of course in no way a replacement for a full user study, but it did lead to some useful observations for the profitable use of the system.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Counter-insurgency adviser David Kilcullen had useful observations to make in this context.

The Guardian - Opinion

But one of Knights's most useful observations is that this was a self-limiting phenomenon.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "useful observation", ensure the context clearly demonstrates why the observation is valuable or beneficial to the discussion or analysis.

Common error

Avoid labeling a trivial or self-evident statement as a "useful observation". Make sure the observation provides genuine insight or contributes meaningfully to the topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "useful observation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "useful" is an adjective modifying the noun "observation". Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "useful observation" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term, especially in scientific and news contexts, as noted by Ludwig. It serves to emphasize a valuable insight or finding. While versatile, ensure the "observation" genuinely contributes to the discussion to avoid stating the obvious. Alternatives like "helpful insight" or "valuable point" can be used depending on the specific context. This makes it a reliable phrase for communicating meaningful insights across various professional and academic domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

helpful insight

Replaces "observation" with "insight", emphasizing the understanding gained.

valuable point

Substitutes "observation" with "point", focusing on the significance of the remark.

pertinent remark

Replaces "useful" with "pertinent", highlighting the relevance of the comment.

relevant insight

Combines "relevant" and "insight" to stress both the importance and understanding.

significant finding

Changes "observation" to "finding", emphasizing the discovery aspect.

noteworthy comment

Uses "noteworthy" to highlight the importance of the comment.

insightful remark

Combines "insightful" and "remark" to emphasize the depth of the comment.

practical consideration

Shifts the focus to the practical application of the observation.

key takeaway

Highlights the main point to be learned or remembered.

important conclusion

Emphasizes the significance of the deduction made from the observation.

FAQs

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

You can use "useful observation" to highlight an insightful remark or finding. For example: "The scientist's "useful observation" led to a breakthrough in the research."

What are some alternatives to "useful observation"?

Alternatives include "helpful insight", "valuable point", or "pertinent remark" depending on the context.

Is "useful observation" a formal or informal phrase?

"Useful observation" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in academic, scientific, or professional settings.

What makes an observation "useful"?

A "useful observation" provides valuable insight, contributes to understanding, or leads to practical applications or solutions.