useful to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "useful to be" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express the concept that something is helpful or valuable in its current state or form. Example sentence: "It is useful to be well-organized when starting a new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So for us it is extremely useful to be able to test things on an audience.

The Guardian

It is useful to be reminded of this.

The New York Times - Arts

The Home Office says it would be "useful" to be able to see everything.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's useful to be clear about what Xi's unbridled power means and does not mean.

The New Yorker

"I find it useful to be with other people and hear their ideas," he said.

The New York Times

IT IS certainly useful to be able to speak more than one language.

The Economist

It is very useful to be that way, but I am not putting on an act.

The New York Times

Keeping relations civil between neighbours is the best start and it is useful to be furnished with the facts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Still, it's useful to be reminded that the absence of a person can shape history as much as his presence.

The New York Times

It would also be useful to be honest and open about where the risk is," she said.

The Guardian

When you're trying to come up with ideas yourself, do you find it useful to be listening to someone else's at the same time?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "useful to be" to emphasize the inherent value or helpfulness of a particular state or action. It often precedes a description of the specific benefits.

Common error

Avoid using "useful to be" in contexts where simpler phrasing like "being useful" or "it helps to be" would sound more natural. Overly formal constructions can sometimes make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "useful to be" functions as an adjectival phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a noun or pronoun and expressing a quality or characteristic that is beneficial or advantageous. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct. Examples in Ludwig show it preceding descriptions of benefits or qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "useful to be" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that expresses the advantageous nature of a state or action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showcasing numerous examples from diverse sources. While versatile, it's most commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When writing, remember that while perfectly valid, it may not always be the most concise option and might sometimes be replaced by alternatives like "helpful to be" or "advantageous to be" to improve readability. Avoid overusing the phrase in informal contexts, opting for simpler wording where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advantageous to be

Replaces "useful" with a synonym emphasizing benefit.

helpful to be

Substitutes "useful" with a more common and general synonym.

beneficial to be

Replaces "useful" with a synonym that highlights the positive impact.

worthwhile to be

Indicates that the effort or investment is justified.

good to be

A simpler, more direct way of expressing the benefit.

wise to be

Implies prudence or good judgement in a particular action or state.

practical to be

Focuses on the feasibility and functionality of a situation.

expedient to be

Suggests that something is suitable or appropriate for achieving a particular end.

convenient to be

Emphasizes the ease and comfort associated with a particular situation.

strategic to be

Highlights the calculated advantage of a given course of action.

FAQs

How can I use "useful to be" in a sentence?

You can use "useful to be" to express the benefit or advantage of a certain state or action. For example, "It's useful to be organized when managing multiple projects".

What are some alternatives to "useful to be"?

Alternatives include "advantageous to be", "helpful to be", or "beneficial to be", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "useful to be" and "being useful"?

"Useful to be" typically introduces a general statement about a condition or state, while "being useful" often refers to a specific action or behavior. For example, "It's useful to be prepared" versus "Being useful involves helping others".

When is it appropriate to use "useful to be" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "useful to be" when you want to emphasize the advantageous nature of a particular state or condition. Consider whether a more concise phrasing like "it helps to be" or "being useful" might be more suitable for your context.