for help

USAGE SUMMARY

'for help' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to ask for help or to indicate why you are doing something. For example: "I went to the store for help finding a new phone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

for help.

The New Yorker

Or call for help.

The New York Times - Health

We're calling for help".

The New Yorker

"We asked for help.

The New York Times

He calls for help.

The New York Times

I prayed for help.

The New Yorker

Hammerl cried for help.

The New Yorker

Who cried for help?

The New York Times

I longed for help.

The New York Times

She asked for help.

The New York Times

"We've cried for help".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using synonyms like "for assistance" or "in search of help" to add sophistication.

Common error

Avoid using "for help" when the context requires a more specific phrase. Instead of saying "I appreciate you for help", use "I appreciate your help" or "I appreciate you helping me".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for help" typically functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the purpose or reason behind an action. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, such as seeking assistance or calling for aid.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

39%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "for help" is a very common and grammatically sound way to express the purpose or reason behind seeking assistance. Ludwig examples show its prevalence across various contexts, from formal business settings to informal wikis. While it's generally suitable for most situations, more formal alternatives like "for assistance" may be preferred in academic or professional writing. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correctly used and easily understood, making it a reliable choice for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for assistance

Replaces "help" with a more formal synonym, "assistance".

seeking help

Emphasizes the act of searching or requesting help.

in search of help

Similar to "seeking help" but adds a sense of active searching.

needing assistance

Highlights the state of requiring help.

requiring support

Focuses on the need for support, which can be broader than just help.

in need of aid

Uses "aid" as a synonym for "help", adding a slightly more formal tone.

for support

Replaces "help" with "support", which can imply a broader form of assistance.

requesting aid

Similar to "seeking help", but with a more formal tone.

looking for support

Expresses the act of actively trying to find support.

asking for aid

Focuses on the action of requesting assistance.

FAQs

How can I use "for help" in a sentence?

You can use "for help" to indicate the purpose or reason for an action, like "I contacted customer service "for help" with my order".

What are some alternatives to "for help"?

Alternatives include "for assistance", "in search of help", or "seeking help", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I thank you for help"?

While understandable, it's more grammatically correct to say "I thank you "for your help"" or "I thank you for helping me".

What is the difference between "for help" and "to help"?

"For help" indicates the reason or purpose, while "to help" expresses an intention or action. Example: "I called "for help"" (reason), versus "I called to help" (intention).