we are useful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are useful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that a group or individuals provide value or assistance in a particular context. Example: "In this project, we are useful because our skills complement each other and lead to better outcomes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

When we know that something awaits us, that we are useful to them.

BMC Health Services Research

"So we can prove we are useful to society," he said.

The New York Times

We are useful, rather than important, thanks to the hangover from our imperial heyday: that permanent seat on the UN security council, for example, and our ability to set an example to others.

The Guardian

We have to think of how we are useful in other ways, most particularly to the people of Holbeck and justify to them why we get £99,000 from the Arts Council".

The Guardian

We are useful to pharmaceuticals, biotech and semiconductor manufacturers, and coffee franchises alike.

TechCrunch

"They sometimes say that we are useful idiots," he told me, a note of sadness in his voice.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"There are people who tell us it's nothing personal as we were useful immigrants," Cramer says before pausing.

The Guardian

"We were useful in that way because people could ask us questions that they'd never get the opportunity to ask normally".

Vice

Such as: How can we be useful?

The Guardian

A nostalgic Lumiere muses about being human, pining for the "good old days when we were useful".

Wikipedia

We were useful but at the same time developed ourselves".

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are useful" to clearly communicate the value or helpfulness of a group or entity in a specific situation. Ensure the context makes it clear to whom or what you are useful.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating your usefulness or making unsubstantiated claims. Always provide specific examples or evidence to support the assertion that "we are useful".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we are useful" is to assert a quality or characteristic of a group (denoted by "we"). It predicates the attribute of being "useful" to that group. As shown in Ludwig, this is used to highlight the positive contributions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are useful" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey that a group provides value or assistance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's employed in diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Scientific domains. While not exceedingly common, its usage is straightforward: to assert the quality of being 'useful'. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in specifying to whom or what your group is beneficial. Consider alternatives like "we provide value" or "we are beneficial" for nuanced expression. Avoid exaggerating your level of usefulness and substantiate claims with concrete examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we provide value

Focuses on the concept of delivering worth or benefit.

we are beneficial

Highlights the positive impact or advantage provided.

we make a contribution

Emphasizes the act of giving or adding something positive.

we serve a purpose

Indicates that the group fulfills a specific need or function.

we play a key role

Highlights importance within a specific function.

we are of assistance

A more formal way of expressing helpfulness.

we lend a hand

An idiomatic way to describe offering help.

we pull our weight

Emphasizes contributing fairly and equally.

we have a positive impact

Focuses on the positive consequences or results.

we are instrumental

Highlights being a crucial factor in achieving something.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "we are useful"?

Saying "we are useful" typically means a group or organization provides a service, skill or support that is helpful or beneficial in a particular context. It indicates that the group has a purpose and contributes positively to a situation.

How can I use "we are useful" in a sentence?

You can use "we are useful" to express the value your group brings to a project, team, or community. For example, "In this project, "we are useful" because our skills complement each other and lead to better outcomes."

What's the difference between saying "we are useful" and "we are helpful"?

"Helpful" generally implies providing assistance or support, while "useful" suggests serving a practical purpose or fulfilling a need. While similar, "we are useful" emphasizes functionality, whereas "helpful" emphasizes assistance.

What can I say instead of "we are useful"?

You can use alternatives like "we provide value", "we are beneficial", or "we make a contribution" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.