TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

it was useless vs but it was pointless

Both phrases are correct and can be used interchangeably to express that something had no purpose or was ineffective. They convey a similar meaning and can be used in various contexts to describe a situation or action that was not beneficial.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 1098 views

it was useless

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express that something had no purpose or was ineffective.

This phrase is used to describe a situation, action, or object that did not serve any useful function or achieve any desired outcome.

Examples:

The old computer was useless and needed to be replaced.
His advice was useless as it did not help solve the problem.
Trying to fix the broken vase was useless; it shattered into pieces.
The broken umbrella was useless in the heavy rain.
Her attempts to convince him were useless; he wouldn't change his mind.

Show examples from the web [+]

She tried to work, but it was useless (= she wasn't able to). 2useless (at something/at doing something) (informal) not very good at something; not able to do ...
2. pointless, hopeless, futile, vain, idle, profitless She knew it was useless to protest. pointless worthwhile, profitable. 3. (Informal) inept, no good, hopeless, weak ...
They looked at the beautiful, large, thoughtful eyes full of tears and of thoughts, gazing shiningly and imploringly at them, and understood that it was useless and ...
it is useless to do something. It was useless to complain. 2 informal unable or unwilling to do anything properly : Don't ask Tim to fix it. He's completely useless.

Alternatives:

it was ineffective
it served no purpose
it was of no use
it was futile
it was unproductive

but it was pointless

This phrase is correct and commonly used to convey that something had no purpose or was ineffective, often used in a contrasting or explanatory context.

This phrase is used to emphasize that a particular action, situation, or effort was without purpose or value, often in contrast to an expectation or belief.

Examples:

She tried to convince him, but it was pointless; he had already made up his mind.
The meeting was scheduled, but it was pointless as no decisions were made.
He continued to argue, but it was pointless as they would not change their stance.
The extra effort put into the project was pointless; it did not improve the outcome.
I tried to fix the leak, but it was pointless; the pipe needed to be replaced.

Show examples from the web [+]

I don't know how to move on to the next step. I've tried different ways in order to get it done, but it was pointless. I have no clue what else I should try. index.html.
But it was pointless. He was too far away, and already exhausted. He lay back horizontally in the water, letting his head rest against the inflatable pillow at the ...
Apr 27, 2014 ... ... could you explain the difference of pointless/useless and in vain to me in the following sentence? I tried to persuade her but it was pointless.
I tried to explain to him that I had worn the shorts before and that they were a gift, but it was pointless. I simply withdrew to my room, took off the shorts, and cried.

Alternatives:

but it was of no avail
but it was in vain
but it was fruitless
but it was a waste of time
but it was unproductive

Related Comparisons

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9).

"Thank you!"
Sachi Nakama July 2024
"I have literally been through chat, PI, claude, bard and bing and I got conflicting answers! Thank you! Human intelligence reigns!"
Retha July 2024
"Faster than AI"
CYNTHIA December 2023
"This was very helpful and I personally think this site is the best."
Kaden October 2023
"It was extremely thorough and very helpful!"
imperialelisa October 2023
"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"
Zubair Alam October 2023
"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."
Selena October 2023
"Without textranch I would be stuck!"
宏祐 October 2023
"Accuracy and fast response. Personal comments from editor. Thank you."
Clh September 2023
"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"
Arturo September 2023
"The fact that you can get reliable fast feedback on your texts."
Vinicius Antonio August 2023
"you guys are better than grammarly i'm being honest here"
ordinary July 2023
"OMG! This is really good than any other text correction tools I've used so far. Highly recommend this."
Vehan July 2023
"Very fast and accurate. thank you."
mojtaba July 2023
"I love this app because it's help to writing skills all of students ♥️"
Tarisini July 2023
"This was exactly the mistake I was looking for, the wording dind´t sound right at first. Better than grammarly!"
Ente July 2023
"The immediate help that I received was reassuring and very satisfactory. Thanks."
priiiyanshuu July 2023
"this helps A LOT for my studies."
kathnunez02 June 2023
"Woow!! I would never have expected such precision! Thank you soooo much!!"
Berta June 2023
"Real Time Editor and not AI. Many Thanks."
Priya June 2023
"The very first thing excites me about Textranch is how much your editors care."
sepideh June 2023
"The fact that texts are checked by human editors rather than by AI, etc. I appreciate this!"
Анна June 2023
"Feel welcome, immediate response, high quality feedback"
martin.roy June 2023
"This is the best app that I have ever seen"
Burulai May 2023

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!