assist it to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assist it to" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used in contexts where you are trying to express helping something or someone to achieve a specific action, but it is better to use more standard phrasing. Example: "We need to assist it to reach its full potential."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But he also believes that grace is needed both to help the natural principles "against those things that tend to stupefy [them] and to hinder [their] free exercise," and to sanctify "the reasoning faculty and" assist "it to see the clear evidence there is of the truth of religion in rational arguments" ("Miscellanies," nos. 626, 628; Edwards 1957–, vol. 18, 155, 156f).

SEP

There, I am glad to say, I have been able on occasions to assist it to fame and fortune, without achieving either myself.

The Guardian - Film

"Ofcom gave Press TV the opportunity to apply to have its operations in Tehran correctly licensed by Ofcom and Ofcom offered to assist it to do so," said the regulator.

The Guardian

Break the wax into small chunks to assist it to melt.

WikiHow

Fill in the proper boxes to share customers, orders, etc. Hit Save button defer.add img); Add new Store Enter new sub-store name and assist it to one of existing Shop Groups.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It is quintessentially Cantonese, in that the cooking has assisted it to taste more of itself than anything else.

Independent

Nuclear ER β mainly performed the genomic action, and GPR30 assisted it to execute this response.

BioMed Research International

(Viewed in terms of its corporate tax policies and the assist it provides to big multinationals seeking to avoid paying taxes in their homelands, Ireland is distinctly dodgy).

The New Yorker

But like many steering systems with electric power assist, it fails to make a strong connection with the driver, which is the point of a sport sedan.

The New York Times

In a press statement, he is now promising to assist it "in its efforts to prevent any sale, or promotion, or use of the works of art…which the foundation alleges to be inauthentic".

BBC

The FA has instructed Kate Gallafent QC to assist it with its review into the abuse cases.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "assist it to" with more common alternatives like "help it to" or "aid it in" for a more natural-sounding sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "assist it to" in casual conversation or informal writing. This phrase is better suited for formal or technical contexts where precision is valued.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assist it to" functions as a purpose connector, linking an action with the intention of helping something achieve a particular result. It indicates the means by which assistance is provided to facilitate a specific outcome. However, Ludwig AI shows that it is not a very common structure.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "assist it to" serves as a connector highlighting the intention to help something achieve a specific outcome. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this phrasing is not particularly common, and may sound awkward. While grammatically acceptable, it is best suited for formal or technical contexts where precision is valued. For more natural-sounding alternatives, consider using phrases like "help it to" or "aid it in". Given its infrequent usage and the availability of more common synonyms, writers should carefully consider whether "assist it to" is the most effective choice for their intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

help it to

Replaces "assist" with the more common synonym "help", maintaining the same structure and meaning.

aid it in

Substitutes "assist" with "aid" and restructures the sentence slightly for a more formal tone.

support it to

Replaces "assist" with "support", emphasizing encouragement and resources provided.

enable it to

Focuses on providing the means or opportunity for something to happen.

facilitate its ability to

Offers a more verbose alternative, highlighting the facilitation of inherent capabilities.

contribute to its

Highlights the contribution made towards a specific outcome or objective.

play a role in its

Emphasizes the part taken in a larger process or effort.

be instrumental in its

Indicates a crucial or vitally important contribution.

work to ensure it

Focuses on the active effort to guarantee a desired result.

promote its

Highlights efforts to encourage the growth, development, or acceptance of something.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "assist it to"?

You can use alternatives such as "help it to", "aid it in", or "support it to" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "assist it to" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "assist it to" is less common and can sound somewhat awkward. It's generally better to opt for more natural-sounding alternatives.

In what contexts is "assist it to" most appropriate?

The phrase is most suitable in formal writing where a precise and somewhat technical tone is acceptable. However, even in such contexts, consider whether a more common alternative might be preferable.

How can I make my writing sound more natural when using "assist"?

Instead of "assist it to", try rephrasing to use "assist" directly with a noun or gerund. For example, "assist in the process" or "assist the team".