a special assistance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a special assistance" is not correct in standard English; it should be "special assistance" without the article "a." You can use "special assistance" when referring to help or support that is tailored to meet specific needs or circumstances.
Example: "The organization provides special assistance to individuals with disabilities to help them access necessary resources."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

She desperately needed to be considered for a special assistance program for families on the verge of becoming homeless.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Additionally, if your child requires any special assistance (such as a wheelchair, or extra leg room on board the plane) check that these needs can be accommodated.

WikiHow

Request any special assistance or equipment (such as a wheel chair) for disabled travelers prior to arriving at the airport.

WikiHow

But he remained a Chinese citizen and so is not eligible for any special assistance from the United States Embassy here, according to consular law.

The New York Times

It is not any the less a service beneficial to appellant because its vessels have not been given any special assistance.

Cornell University

On a page preceding the table of contents, you may wish to acknowledge any special assistance or support that you received in writing your thesis.

Princeton University

In an interview, Kemp confirmed the event, and his business plans, but denied receiving any special assistance from Cheney.

The New Yorker

Hospitals across the country have mobilized a lobbying campaign to block the cuts, which would offset about half the value of any special assistance to rural hospitals.

The New York Times

The prime minister, Tony Abbott, wasn't sounding enthusiastic in parliament on Thursday, emphasising the carbon tax and the Qantas Sales Act but playing down any special assistance.

The Guardian

Early in the day of the uprising that overthrew Slobodan Milosevic, Ljubisav Djokic received a call requesting special assistance from organizers of the opposition.

The New York Times

351, related to a program of special assistance to strengthen the academic quality of developing institutions, prior to the general revision of this subchapter by Pub.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to assistance tailored for specific needs, use "special assistance" without the article 'a'. For example, say 'The program offers special assistance to students with learning disabilities' instead of 'a special assistance'.

Common error

Avoid using the indefinite article "a" before "special assistance". The phrase is typically used as a non-count noun, representing a general category of support rather than a specific instance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a special assistance" functions as a noun phrase, although grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI highlights that the correct usage is "special assistance" without the article 'a', as it refers to a general type of support. The example provided by Ludwig shows how to correctly use "special assistance" in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

22%

Academia

21%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a special assistance" might seem logical, it's grammatically incorrect. The proper way to express this concept is by using "special assistance" without the article "a". As Ludwig AI points out, "special assistance" is a non-count noun referring to help or support designed to meet specific needs. Its usage spans various contexts including News & Media, Academia and Science. Remember to avoid the common mistake of adding the article "a" and instead use the correct form for clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

special assistance

Omits the article "a", correcting the grammatical error while retaining the core meaning.

specific assistance

Replaces "special" with "specific", emphasizing the targeted nature of the help.

particular aid

Uses "aid" instead of "assistance", offering a slightly more formal tone.

tailored support

Highlights the personalized nature of the assistance provided.

individualized help

Emphasizes that the assistance is designed for a single person.

dedicated support

Focuses on the commitment and focus of the support being given.

specialized support

Highlights expertise or specialist knowledge involved in provision.

customized assistance

Like tailored support, indicating the assistance is made to fit precise requirements.

personalized aid

Similar to individualized help but uses "aid" to alter formality.

additional support

Suggests adding to an existing support structure, rather than creating new bespoke system.

FAQs

How do I properly use "special assistance" in a sentence?

Use "special assistance" as a non-count noun without the article "a". For example: "The school provides "special assistance" to students with disabilities".

What are some alternatives to saying "a special assistance"?

Instead of "a special assistance", consider using alternatives like "specific support", "tailored help", or simply "special assistance".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a special assistance"?

No, the correct form is "special assistance" without the indefinite article "a". The phrase functions as a non-count noun, referring to a general type of support.

When should I use "special assistance"?

Use "special assistance" when referring to help or support designed to meet particular needs or circumstances, such as assistance for people with disabilities, elderly individuals, or students with learning difficulties.