external assistance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "external assistance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to help or advice from outside sources. For example, "The local government requested external assistance from the state government to tackle the crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This Policy also identifies external assistance programs.

Columbia University

Tough measures were implemented that were supposed to obviate the need for external assistance.

The Guardian - Business

Iraq, the critics say, remains heavily dependent on external assistance to advance its nuclear program.

The New York Times

Together with the deep recession, this could force Malta to seek external assistance".

The New York Times

Ah, so locals decide what needs to be done and then get external assistance to help them do it?

The Guardian

Whatever boundaries are agreed upon for Germany, she must be able to subsist without external assistance.

Yale University

Many different types of events can lead to situations that overwhelm local institutions and require external assistance.

Britannica

He complained that the separatist arsenal was no match for the Ukrainian army and said they would require external assistance.

Independent

Protagonists in Greece's internal quarrels have long invoked external assistance, while furiously denouncing any foreign help given to their rivals.

The Economist

It originates in development economics, and it refers to a country's ability to use external assistance effectively.

The Economist

Most likely, North Africa will need to rely on external assistance to implement its nuclear energy plans.

Energy Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "external assistance", clearly specify the type of assistance and the source, to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "external assistance" without specifying the kind of help required or offered, which can make the statement too general and unhelpful. Instead, mention specific types of aid such as financial, technical, or logistical support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "external assistance" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the act of receiving help, resources, or support from an outside source. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "external assistance" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that denotes help or resources coming from an outside source. Ludwig confirms its validity and widespread use. Its primary function is to describe scenarios requiring outside support, across various contexts such as academia, news, and science. While the phrase itself is neutral, specific contexts may require further clarification regarding the type and source of assistance. The register ranges from neutral to professional. To enhance clarity, it is advised to avoid vagueness by specifying the nature of the aid and its origin.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assistance from external sources

A more verbose but synonymous phrasing of "external assistance".

outside help

Replaces "external" with "outside", focusing on the origin of the help.

outside support

Similar to "outside help", focusing on support from an external source.

foreign aid

Specifically refers to assistance from foreign countries, usually financial.

international support

Highlights the global nature of the assistance.

external resources

Focuses on the provision of resources, rather than general help.

third-party support

Emphasizes that the help comes from someone not directly involved.

aid from abroad

Highlights the foreign origin of the assistance.

outside intervention

Implies a more active role from the external source.

outside consultation

Specifically refers to seeking advice from an external expert.

FAQs

How to use "external assistance" in a sentence?

You can use "external assistance" to describe scenarios where outside help is needed or provided. For example, "The project required "external assistance" due to a lack of internal expertise."

What can I say instead of "external assistance"?

You can use alternatives like "outside help", "foreign aid" (if it comes from abroad), or "international support", depending on the context.

When is "external assistance" most needed?

"External assistance" is often required when internal resources are insufficient, such as during natural disasters, economic crises, or when specialized knowledge is lacking. It is important to consider consulting with "outside consultation" for specific problems.

What's the difference between "external assistance" and "internal resources"?

"External assistance" refers to help or resources obtained from outside an organization or entity, whereas "internal resources" are those available within the organization. Seeking "third-party support" is often helpful when you lack "internal resources".