What is useful? Pronunciation and usage in English

useful means . Learn how to pronounce and use useful through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of useful

usefuladjective

/ˈjuːsf(ʊ)l/
Definition & pronunciation of useful

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "useful" in English. Here's a breakdown:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

ˈjuːs fəl

Pronunciation Guide (with explanations):

  1. "yu": Say "yoo" as in "you" or "blue." It's a short, clear "u" sound.

  2. "s": Say "s" as in "sun."

  3. "f": Say "f" as in "fun."

  4. "əl": This is the tricky part! It’s a schwa sound (ə) This is a very short, unstressed vowel sound. Think of how you say "about" – the "a" is very brief and quiet. It's almost like you're dropping the "a" sound.

Putting it together:

It should sound something like: Yoo-s-ful (with a very quick, almost swallowed "ful").

Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't over-emphasize the "u." The "u" sound is relatively short.
  • The "ful" is a schwa sound. This is the most common mistake people make. Really try to minimize the vowel sound in "ful" and let it be quick and light.
  • Listen to examples! The best way to learn is to hear it spoken. You can easily find audio clips on:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you another example word to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word useful in English

Let's break down how to use the word "useful" effectively in English. It's a very common and versatile word, but it's important to use it correctly to convey your meaning.

1. Basic Meaning:

  • Useful means providing help or benefit; capable of being used for a purpose. It describes something that is helpful or advantageous.

2. How to Use It in Sentences:

Here's how you can incorporate "useful" into different sentence structures:

  • Describing an object/tool:

    • "This hammer is very useful for building a shelf." (Describes the hammer's function)
    • "A dictionary is useful for learning a new language." (Describes its value.)
    • "I found a useful app to help me manage my time." (Describes a helpful application)

  • Describing a skill/ability:

    • "Knowing how to swim is useful in an emergency." (Describes the benefit of the skill)
    • "Problem-solving skills are useful in almost any job." (Describes the value of the skill)

  • Describing a piece of advice/information:

    • "That was useful advice – thank you!" (Describes the helpfulness of the advice)
    • "The report provided useful data for our analysis." (Describes the value of the information)

  • Expressing agreement or approval:

    • "That's a useful suggestion!" (Agreement that the suggestion is helpful)

  • With adjectives: You can combine "useful" with other adjectives to add more detail.

    • "a very useful tool" (emphasizes how helpful it is)
    • "a surprisingly useful website" (highlights a pleasant surprise)
    • "a simple but useful gadget" (combines simplicity with usefulness)

3. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

Using synonyms can sometimes make your writing or speech more interesting and avoid repetition. Here are a few:

  • Helpful: Often interchangeable with "useful."
  • Beneficial: Focuses on the positive outcome of something being useful.
  • Practical: Highlights something’s usefulness in a real-world situation.
  • Advantageous: Similar to beneficial, implying a positive benefit.
  • Valuable: Suggests worth and importance.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Overuse: "Useful" is a frequently used word. Try to vary your vocabulary.
  • Incorrect Usage: Make sure you're describing something that is actually helpful or advantageous. Don't use it just because a word sounds good.

5. Examples in Context (Putting it all together):

  • "The instructions were incredibly useful in assembling the furniture."
  • “Having a backup power supply is useful during storms.”
  • “Learning basic first aid is undeniably useful in everyday life.”
  • "She found a useful template for creating presentations."

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing or speaking are you trying to improve? (e.g., academic essays, casual conversation, professional emails, creative writing?)
  • Can you give me a specific sentence where you're unsure how to use "useful"?

Synonyms for the word useful

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