was of use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was of use" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was helpful or beneficial in a particular context or situation. Example: "The information provided by the expert was of use during the project, helping us make informed decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Regardless of its theoretical character, Desargues claimed that it was of use for artisans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Everything involved in the olive production process was of use in a traditional society.

Olive Oil Chemistry and Technology

Without the belief that I was of use to the world or that my voice mattered uniquely, I lost my ambition.

The Washington Post

A systematic review of all available studies published in Acta Paediatrica in January 2012 showed no evidence that such home monitoring was of use.

The New York Times

This was a great opportunity, because it meant working in a field where my background was of use.

Science Magazine

Sylvester's lawyer, Lawrence Gridin, used Sylvester's performance appraisals and other evidence to convince Preston that the troubled officer was of use to the TPS.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"For serious music cannot be of use".

The New York Times - Books

"We needed to be of use".

The New Yorker

I want it to be of use.

The Guardian - Music

I like to be of use in this world.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many healthy weeds are of use to wildlife.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was of use", ensure the context clearly indicates what benefited from its utility. For example, specify "the tool was of use to the team" rather than just "the tool was of use".

Common error

Avoid using "was of use" when a simpler word like "helped" or "benefited" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted. Sometimes, directness is more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was of use" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes a noun by stating that it provided some form of benefit or assistance. Ludwig confirms this through its examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was of use" is a grammatically sound way to indicate that something offered assistance or benefit. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "helped" or "was useful", it offers a slightly more formal tone suitable for various professional and academic settings. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase appears across multiple reputable sources, but primarily within the News & Media and Scientific domains. When using "was of use", ensure the context clearly identifies what or who benefited, and be mindful of simpler alternatives that might convey the meaning more directly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proved useful

Focuses on the demonstrated utility or helpfulness in a specific context.

served a purpose

Highlights the fulfillment of a particular aim or function.

had utility

Emphasizes the inherent usefulness or value that something possessed.

was advantageous

Indicates that something provided an advantage or benefit in a situation.

was beneficial

Highlights the positive impact or helpfulness of something.

was helpful

A more general term indicating assistance or aid.

was valuable

Stresses the worth or importance of something.

was instrumental

Indicates a key role in achieving a particular outcome.

contributed

Suggests a contribution to a greater whole or outcome.

played a role

Emphasizes participation or involvement in a certain event or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "was of use" in a sentence?

Use "was of use" to indicate that something provided assistance or benefit. For instance, "The training "was of use" in preparing for the exam." Alternatively, you could say it "proved useful".

What are some alternatives to "was of use"?

You can use alternatives such as "proved helpful", "served a purpose", or "was beneficial" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "was of use" or "was useful"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "was useful" is generally more direct and common. "Was of use" can sound slightly more formal or emphatic, but is perfectly acceptable.

What is the difference between "was of use" and "came in handy"?

"Was of use" implies general utility or benefit, whereas "came in handy" suggests that something was particularly useful at a specific, opportune moment. For example: "The map "was of use" for navigating the city", versus "The map "came in handy" when we got lost".