be of help

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be of help" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that is helpful or useful. For example: "I'm so glad that I was able to be of help with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They could be of help.

The Economist

Enthusiastic, eager to be of help".

The New York Times - Arts

The following article could be of help.

Harvard University

To improve this situation, new biomaterials may be of help.

Acta Biomaterialia

"Further therapy is unlikely to be of help".

The New Yorker

Perhaps I may be of help to you.

The New Yorker

But it is there and it can be of help".

The New York Times

Perhaps the permanently amped-up Tom can be of help?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I stop and ask if I can be of help.

The Guardian

Perhaps, the USA and UN can be of help.

University of California, Berkeley

This technology may be of help, I hope.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be of help" when you want to express a willingness to assist or provide aid in a situation. For instance, 'If you need anything during your stay, please don't hesitate to ask; I'm here to "be of help"'.

Common error

While "be of help" is grammatically correct, overuse in casual conversation can sound overly formal or stilted. In less formal situations, consider using simpler alternatives like "help", "assist", or "support" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be of help" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or quality of being useful or providing assistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

47%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be of help" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase for offering assistance or indicating usefulness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, its slightly formal tone makes it particularly suitable for professional settings. When writing, consider the context and audience to determine if a simpler alternative like "help" would be more appropriate. Remember, this phrase functions as a predicate adjective, describing something capable of providing assistance. Alternatives include "be of assistance", "provide assistance" and "offer support".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be of assistance

A more formal and polite way of offering help.

provide assistance

Focuses on the action of giving help rather than the state of being helpful.

offer support

Emphasizes the act of giving encouragement or resources.

lend a hand

An idiomatic expression for offering practical help.

give aid

Focuses on providing essential resources or support during a difficult situation.

be supportive

Emphasizes the emotional or moral support offered.

be beneficial

Highlights the positive impact or advantage provided.

be advantageous

Stresses the favorable or opportune nature of the help provided.

serve a purpose

Highlights the utility or function of the help provided.

make a contribution

Focuses on the act of adding something positive or valuable.

FAQs

How can I use "be of help" in a sentence?

You can use "be of help" to offer assistance or indicate usefulness. For example, "I hope this information will "be of help" to you," or "Is there anything I can do to "be of help"?"

What are some alternatives to "be of help"?

Alternatives include "be of assistance", "provide assistance", "offer support", or simply "help", depending on the context.

Is "be of help" formal or informal?

"Be of help" is generally considered more formal than simply saying "help". It's suitable for professional or polite contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "be of help"?

Use "be of help" in situations where you want to express a willingness to assist in a polite or professional manner, such as in customer service, formal correspondence, or when offering aid to someone in need.