what's the use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "What's the use" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express your feeling of hopelessness, futility, or cynicism about a certain situation. Example: My car broke down and I can't afford to get it fixed. What's the use?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I don't know what's the use of all this".

The New York Times

Nothing I can do about it, so what's the use of worrying about it?

British Medical Journal

"What's the use of us arguing," said Woody.

The New Yorker

What's the use of new technology if it's going to be programmed by the same old humans?

The New Yorker

What's the use.

The New Yorker

"They're saying, 'What's the use?

The New York Times

What's the use of talking?

The New Yorker

"What's the use of writing?

The New York Times - Books

What's the use of them?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"What's the use?" he said.

The Guardian

What's the use of politics, anyway?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what's the use" to express a sense of futility or question the purpose of an action, especially when facing obstacles or challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "what's the use" in situations where a solution or positive outcome is still actively being sought; it can come across as overly pessimistic or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what's the use" functions as an interrogative expression used to question the purpose, value, or benefit of an action, effort, or situation. It often implies a sense of futility or resignation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what's the use" is a common phrase used to express a feeling of futility or to question the purpose of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and carries an informal tone. While grammatically correct, it's essential to use it appropriately, avoiding situations where optimism is needed. Alternatives like "what's the point" or "why bother" can be used to convey similar sentiments. This phrase serves as a powerful tool for expressing discouragement or doubt in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what's the point

This alternative is a direct synonym, questioning the reason or advantage of something.

what good is it

This phrase questions the benefit or advantage derived from something.

why bother

This is a more concise way of expressing a lack of motivation due to perceived futility.

is there any point

This phrase inquires whether there is any purpose or value in doing something.

what does it matter

This suggests that the outcome is inconsequential, regardless of action taken.

it's no use

This statement declares that an action is futile or ineffective.

to what end

This phrase questions the ultimate goal or purpose of an action, often implying skepticism.

what's the sense

Similar to "what's the point", this questions the logic or reason behind something.

why even try

This expresses discouragement and a lack of motivation to attempt something.

what's the value

This alternative directly questions the worth or importance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "what's the use" in a sentence?

You can use "what's the use" to express a feeling of hopelessness or question the value of an action, like in the sentence "I've applied for so many jobs and haven't heard back. What's the use of even trying anymore?"

What's a more formal way to say "what's the use"?

While "what's the use" is generally considered informal, you could use phrases like "is there any point" or "to what end" for a more formal tone. See also "is there any point" and "to what end".

When is it appropriate to use "what's the use"?

It's appropriate when you feel an activity is pointless or unlikely to succeed, often after experiencing repeated failures or setbacks.

Are there situations where I should avoid using "what's the use"?

Yes, avoid using it in contexts where optimism and perseverance are needed, as it can be demotivating and discourage further effort. It may also be inappropriate in professional settings where a more solution-oriented approach is expected.