Word
Definition
adj. helping you to do or get what you want. You use this to describe things that are good for a specific job or purpose.
adj. providing a practical benefit or serving a functional purpose. Frequently used to describe tools, information, or advice that facilitates the achievement of a goal.
Examples
“This map is very useful for our trip.”
“The teacher gave us some useful tips on how to prepare for the final exam.”
“While the initial data seemed chaotic, the researcher found several useful patterns that eventually formed the basis of her groundbreaking theory on urban migration.”
Examples
simple
“This map is very useful for our trip.”
contextual
“The teacher gave us some useful tips on how to prepare for the final exam.”
complex
“While the initial data seemed chaotic, the researcher found several useful patterns that eventually formed the basis of her groundbreaking theory on urban migration.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “useful” in context.
Usage
Commonly followed by the preposition 'for' when indicating a purpose or 'to' when followed by an infinitive.
Pitfall
This tool is very usefully.
This tool is very useful.
Learners sometimes confuse the adjective 'useful' with the adverb 'usefully' when following a linking verb like 'be'.
Etymology
From use + -ful.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/useful
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0