very handy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very handy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is convenient or useful in a particular situation. Example: "This tool is very handy for fixing small appliances around the house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very handy.

The New Yorker

This is very handy.

Independent

It comes very handy.

University of California, Berkeley

Very handy indeed.

The Guardian - Sport

It comes in very handy.

The New York Times

But language is very handy.

The New York Times - Books

Guitars come in very handy.

The Guardian - Music

But it was very handy!

The New York Times

(I would find those very handy).

The New York Times

Sometimes it's very handy to have staff.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(Devolution is very handy in hard times).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very handy" when you want to express that something is particularly useful or convenient in a given situation. It implies practicality and ease of use.

Common error

While "very handy" is widely understood, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound less professional. Opt for stronger synonyms like "extremely useful" or "highly beneficial" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very handy" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its usefulness or convenience. Ludwig indicates this usage is correct. For example, "This tool is very handy."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very handy" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something as particularly useful or convenient. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it’s prevalent in news and media, and acceptable in academic contexts, it should be used with caution in formal or scientific writing, where more precise and sophisticated synonyms may be more appropriate. Alternatives like "extremely useful" or "highly convenient" can provide a more formal tone when needed. It serves to express convenience or usefulness, highlighting the practical benefits of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely useful

Replaces "very handy" with a more emphatic synonym for usefulness.

highly convenient

Substitutes "handy" with "convenient", emphasizing ease of use.

particularly helpful

Highlights the assistance provided, rather than general usefulness.

quite useful

Offers a slightly less intense version of "very useful".

remarkably convenient

Emphasizes the surprising or notable level of convenience.

exceptionally useful

Indicates a higher degree of utility than "very handy".

comes in useful

Shifts the focus to the act of becoming useful in a specific instance.

proves invaluable

Highlights the high value and necessity of the item or skill.

a great asset

Presents the item or skill as something valuable and beneficial.

really helpful

A more informal and direct substitute for "very handy".

FAQs

How can I use "very handy" in a sentence?

"Very handy" is typically used to describe something that is convenient or useful. For example, "This tool is "very handy" for small repairs."

What are some alternatives to "very handy"?

You can use alternatives like "extremely useful", "highly convenient", or "particularly helpful" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "very handy" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "very handy" might be perceived as informal in some formal contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "exceptionally useful" or "remarkably convenient".

When is "very handy" the most suitable choice?

"Very handy" is well-suited for everyday conversation and less formal writing, where it effectively communicates the idea of something being practically useful and easy to use. It's less suited in strict scientific writing.