What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
helpful
Example
The teacher was very helpful in explaining the difficult concepts. [helpful: adjective]
Example
She offered helpful tips on how to improve my writing skills. [helpful: adjective]
valuable
Example
The antique vase is very valuable and worth a lot of money. [valuable: adjective]
Example
Her experience and expertise were valuable assets to the team. [valuable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Helpful is more commonly used in everyday language, while valuable is more often used in professional or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between helpful and valuable?
Valuable is generally considered more formal than helpful, as it is often used in professional or academic settings to describe important qualities or characteristics.