what is useful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what is useful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the value or practicality of something in a specific context. Example: "In this project, we need to focus on what is useful for our target audience to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such a notion permits Thomas to advise us to seek naturally what is useful to us.

SEP

By transforming what exists into what is useful to us life is silenced" (Rogers [1998], 249 250 – author's emphasis; cf. Evernden [1993], 88 94).

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Actions are primarily directed to what is useful for us and are ruled by the criterion of interest (utile), by pleasure, nature, and habit.

SEP

The optimistic long view -- that what is useful in this economy will ultimately be used again, whether it is a building or an idea or an employee -- runs against the grain in an age of uncertainty.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I want to determine what is useful and what is not and what aid is being used to pressure Egypt and whether this aid has good intentions and credibility.

BBC

What is useful are the tools and infrastructure used in the development of the U.S. in the period from 1820 to 1890 canals and rivers for transportation, steam engines for motive power and oil lamps for reading.

Forbes

They may provide a filter across the whole web, but they don't give us any real help in judging what is useful or not.

TechCrunch

"What I really do is I sort through thousands and thousands of pounds of used clothing, and from that mess I edit out what is useful," she said.

The New York Times

So, what is useful?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What is useful and what is superfluous?

The New York Times

How can you know what is useful to the world?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what is useful", consider the context and audience to ensure the phrase clearly conveys the intended meaning of utility or benefit.

Common error

Avoid using "what is useful" without specifying the beneficiary or the purpose. Vague statements about usefulness can lack impact and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what is useful" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies something possessing utility or serving a practical purpose. As shown in Ludwig, it is commonly used across various contexts to highlight the benefits or advantages of a particular thing or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

37%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what is useful" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to identify and emphasize aspects that provide utility or benefit. Its usage spans various contexts, from News & Media to Science, and its register is generally neutral. When employing this phrase, clarity and specificity are key to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "what is beneficial" or "what is practical" can offer nuanced variations. By considering these insights, writers can effectively use "what is useful" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is beneficial

Focuses on the advantage or positive outcome derived from something.

what is advantageous

Emphasizes the favorable or helpful nature of something in achieving a specific goal.

what is practical

Highlights the feasibility and effectiveness of something in real-world situations.

what is helpful

Stresses the assistance or support provided by something.

what is valuable

Underscores the worth or importance of something.

what is relevant

Emphasizes the pertinence or applicability of something to a particular situation.

what is effective

Highlights the capacity of something to produce a desired result.

what is worthwhile

Focuses on the rewarding or valuable nature of something in terms of effort or investment.

what is appropriate

Emphasizes the suitability of something for a particular purpose or situation.

what is essential

Highlights the indispensable or necessary nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "what is useful" in a sentence?

You can use "what is useful" to introduce a concept or idea that provides a benefit or serves a practical purpose. For instance, "We need to identify "what is useful" for our project."

What phrases are similar to "what is useful"?

Alternatives include "what is beneficial", "what is practical", or "what is valuable" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "what is useful" formal or informal?

"What is useful" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation.

How to determine if something is truly "what is useful"?

Assess its relevance to the task at hand, its effectiveness in achieving the desired outcome, and its benefits in the given context. The criteria for "what is useful" will vary based on the situation.