having helped

USAGE SUMMARY

"having helped" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "having helped" to refer to something that has already been done in the past. For example, "Having helped her friend through a difficult time, she felt a sense of accomplishment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ploughshares boasts of having helped to secure the deal.

The Guardian

An officer accused them of having helped the guerrillas.

The New York Times

His father, Maxime, "is widely credited with having helped eliminate leprosy in Peru," according to Bloomberg.

Princeton University

Having helped to precipitate this crisis, it cannot walk away from it.

The Economist

(Mr. Beckman also lays claim to having helped finance the development of semiconductor technology).

The New York Times

Having helped the Japanese, the Europeans are now preparing to do battle with them instead.

The Economist

Having helped sell the young governor to Republican elders, he then masterminded the 2000 campaign.

The Economist

Having helped jump-start one mechanism of modern culture, he hopped onto another.

The New York Times

But having helped bring this monster into the world, the west cannot now turn its back.

The Guardian - Opinion

Having helped create the concept behind the system, the state sector is now using Mosaic.

The Guardian - Tech

He is credited with having helped turn the Florida Gators to a mighty scor ing machine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having helped" to clearly indicate that the act of helping preceded a subsequent action or event, ensuring chronological clarity in your writing. For example, "Having helped with the preparations, she was able to enjoy the party."

Common error

Avoid using "having helped" when the act of helping and the subsequent action occur simultaneously or in very close succession. In such cases, a simpler construction like "helping with" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having helped" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun within a sentence. It typically modifies a verb or another noun, indicating a completed action that has influenced a subsequent event. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this function in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science & Research

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having helped" is a versatile and grammatically sound gerund phrase used to indicate that an action of assisting or contributing has been completed before another action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is frequently found in news articles, academic papers, and general writing, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When writing, ensure that the sequence of events is clear and that the act of helping truly precedes the subsequent action. For alternative phrasing consider "assisting in", "contributing to", or "being instrumental in" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being instrumental in

Stresses the crucial role played in bringing about a particular outcome.

assisting in

Focuses on the act of giving assistance, often in a subordinate role.

aiding in

Emphasizes the act of providing support or relief during a difficult situation.

contributing to

Highlights the act of providing something, whether tangible or intangible, to achieve a common goal.

facilitating

Highlights the act of making something easier or more likely to happen.

supporting

Focuses on providing encouragement or material assistance.

playing a part in

Underscores the involvement in a process or event, often as one of many participants.

furthering

Emphasizes the act of advancing or promoting something.

advancing

Highlights the act of moving something forward or improving it.

promoting

Focuses on raising awareness or encouraging the growth or development of something.

FAQs

How can I use "having helped" in a sentence?

Use "having helped" to show that the action of helping occurred before another action. For instance, "Having helped her neighbor move, she felt a sense of satisfaction".

What are some alternatives to "having helped"?

Alternatives include "assisting in", "contributing to", or "being instrumental in", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "having helped" formal or informal?

"Having helped" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure than on the phrase itself.

What's the difference between "having helped" and "helping"?

"Having helped" implies that the act of helping is completed and precedes another action. "Helping", on the other hand, can refer to an ongoing or simultaneous action. For example, "Helping her now, she hopes to finish before lunch" versus "Having helped her yesterday, she was free today".