useful then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "useful then" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was beneficial or applicable at a specific time in the past. Example: "The advice I received was useful then, but it may not apply to my current situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"…you get access to others resources around Europe". "…if the customers can rely on and trust the collaboration model it's useful, then they are going to use resources provided by the collaboration model and then the business model will work.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

If it is (b) an APR, the MS will check to decide whether it will use the APR or not by using Algorithm 2 and if multiple APRs are received then which to use or discard is based on Algorithm 3. If the APR is useful, then it will broadcast it to other MSs and then skip the scanning phase and directly associate to the corresponding AP.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

So I mean if I was just out of hospital I can see it being used to monitor reactions and my mood, but it would be more useful then.' ID15 (male in his twenties) The aim of this study was to explore individuals' understanding and perceptions of mobile-phone based psychotic symptoms monitoring, in order to ascertain how it might be introduced into their everyday lives and clinical care.

BMC Psychiatry

If not useful, then pretty, at least.

The Guardian - Arts

But if reference is to remain useful then it cannot become amateur hour.

The Guardian - Books

"If you only teach stuff that is useful, then what do we need to teach in school?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

If scientific collaboration is so useful, why then do not all researchers do it?

Huffington Post

When you can't find a useful product then use some financial engineering to beef up profits.

The Guardian

Our instruction was informed as we made learners aware of specific strategies, demonstrated how they might be useful, and then provided conscious practice in using those strategies.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

We can use this AI and transform it into useful knowledge then give it writers or screenwriters.

Huffington Post

"You know, where something interesting is made into something useful, and then years later it just seems so chic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "useful then", ensure the context clearly establishes the timeframe being referenced. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the temporal relevance of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "useful then" in sentences where the timeframe is unclear or overlaps with the present. This can lead to confusion about whether something is currently useful or only was in the past.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "useful then" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating when the state of being useful applied. Ludwig provides examples where it specifies a past period when something was beneficial or relevant. The phrase clarifies the temporal context of usefulness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "useful then" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to specify that something was beneficial or applicable at a particular time in the past. While it is not a very common phrase, it is found across various sources, including news and scientific articles. According to Ludwig, the phrase is valid and its usage helps to provide temporal context, clarifying that the utility being described pertains to a past time and may not necessarily apply to the present. When using "useful then", ensure that the timeframe is clear to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

helpful at the time

Focuses specifically on the helpfulness aspect during a past period.

beneficial back then

Emphasizes the advantages or benefits experienced in the past.

serviceable in those days

Highlights the functionality and usability within a past context.

valuable at that point

Stresses the worth and importance during a specific moment in time.

advantageous in the past

Focuses on the favorable circumstances or outcomes achieved earlier.

practical back in the day

Highlights the practical application and relevance during a particular era.

applicable in that era

Emphasizes the relevance and suitability within a specific time period.

functional during that period

Stresses the operational capabilities within a defined timeframe.

effective in its time

Highlights the success and efficacy within a historical context.

relevant at that stage

Focuses on the pertinence and importance during a certain phase or point.

FAQs

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

Use "useful then" to indicate that something was helpful or applicable during a specific time in the past. For example, "The advice was "helpful at the time", but not anymore."

What are some alternatives to "useful then"?

You can use alternatives like ""helpful at the time"", "beneficial back then", or "serviceable in those days" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "useful then"?

Yes, "useful then" is grammatically correct and can be used to indicate past utility or relevance. The Ludwig AI also confirms this.

What's the difference between "useful then" and "still useful"?

"Useful then" implies that something was beneficial in the past but may not be so now, while "still useful" suggests that something continues to be beneficial in the present.