assisting someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assisting someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of helping or providing support to another person. Example: "I will be assisting someone with their project this afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Until then, it's all about assisting someone else.

The New York Times - Sports

But choosing to die, or even assisting someone who wants to die, is a felony in California.

The Guardian - Opinion

I had no idea at the time that assisting someone to die could result in a prison sentence of 14 years.

Independent

I hope, though, that as my children get older, they will not shy away from assisting someone, as long as they feel the circumstances are right.

The New York Times

Mr Starmer stressed that the guidelines did not decriminalise assisting someone to die or "open the door to euthanasia", and that no case was absolutely prosecution-proof.

The Economist

At the Workforce1 office on East 149th Street, I watched a job counselor, Rhodina Smith, assisting someone in a better but still difficult circumstance.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Anonymous, New york The admirable desire to assist someone you love does not compel you to forsake your own values.

The New York Times - Magazine

Currently, anyone who assists someone to take their life faces up to 14 years in prison, although no one has yet been prosecuted.

The Guardian

The Suicide Act (1961) in England or Wales (but not Scotland) also makes it illegal to assist someone take their life.

Independent

Given her progressive views on issues of euthanasia and the right to die, will she assist someone to end their life?

The Guardian - Books

"This is a courageous man who has been the victim of oppression and, frankly, I think it's incumbent upon every American to assist someone like him," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about providing help, consider the specific nature of the assistance. Using more precise verbs (e.g., "guiding", "supporting", "enabling") can add clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

While "assisting" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in formal writing. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "aiding", "supporting", or "facilitating" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assisting someone" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing ongoing actions or general activities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "assisting someone" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the act of helping or supporting another person. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While versatile, it's important to consider more precise synonyms like "helping someone", "aiding someone", or "supporting someone" to enhance clarity and avoid overuse, especially in formal writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate "assisting someone" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aiding someone

This alternative emphasizes a more direct and active form of help, often implying immediate assistance.

helping someone

This is a general term for providing assistance, covering a wide range of supportive actions.

giving someone assistance

This phrases is similar to "assisting someone" but it uses a noun instead of a gerund.

supporting someone

This suggests providing encouragement, resources, or emotional comfort, rather than direct action.

being of assistance to someone

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the role of the helper.

lending someone a hand

This is an idiomatic expression indicating willingness to assist with a task.

facilitating someone's progress

This suggests making it easier for someone to move forward or achieve something.

enabling someone

This implies providing the means or opportunity for someone to do something.

serving someone

This emphasizes a role of providing assistance in a professional or formal context.

attending to someone

This focuses on giving care or attention to someone's needs.

FAQs

How can I use "assisting someone" in a sentence?

You can use "assisting someone" to describe the act of helping or supporting another person, such as: "I enjoy "assisting someone" with their tasks" or "The program focuses on "assisting someone" in need".

What are some alternatives to "assisting someone"?

Alternatives include "helping someone", "aiding someone", or "supporting someone", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "assist someone" or "assisting someone"?

The choice depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence. "Assist someone" is an infinitive phrase, while "assisting someone" is a gerund phrase. For example, "I will assist someone" versus "I am assisting someone".

What's the difference between "assisting someone" and "helping someone"?

While similar, "assisting someone" can sometimes imply a more formal or structured form of help compared to the more general term "helping someone".