What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
helpful
Example
The customer service representative was very helpful in resolving my issue. [helpful: adjective]
Example
I found the tips in the article to be very helpful for studying. [helpful: adjective]
useful
Example
This app is very useful for tracking my expenses. [useful: adjective]
Example
The calculator is a useful tool for solving math problems. [useful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Useful is more commonly used than helpful in everyday language. Useful is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while helpful is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between helpful and useful?
Both helpful and useful are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
