What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
handy
Example
Can you keep the hammer handy? I might need it later. [handy: adjective]
Example
He's quite handy with a wrench and can fix most things around the house. [handy: adjective]
Example
She's a handy person to have on your team during a crisis. [handy: noun]
useful
Example
This app is really useful for tracking your expenses. [useful: adjective]
Example
The book contains a lot of useful information about gardening. [useful: adjective]
Example
She's a very useful employee who always goes above and beyond. [useful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Useful is more commonly used than handy in everyday language. Useful is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while handy is less common and refers to a specific type of convenience or skill.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between handy and useful?
Useful is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts. Handy, on the other hand, is typically associated with a casual and informal tone.
