help deciding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "help deciding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when offering assistance or support in making a choice or decision about something. Example: "I can help deciding which restaurant to choose for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

And we offer you a link to this handy –and hilarious — flow chart in case you need help deciding which team to root for this season.

The New York Times

At the counter, a woman used the tone of someone choosing between careers to ask for help deciding between a strawberry cake and a banana cake.

The New Yorker

Perhaps you need practical assistance planning a specific holiday or would simply like help deciding where to go this year for sun, relaxation or adventure?

The Guardian - Travel

There are hundreds of musicals that fit that description and we think Greenblatt could use some help deciding on which to  destroy produce.

The Guardian - Opinion

The board could view Vanguard, which serves 15 cities, as too small to warrant help, deciding instead to reserve the remainder of the package to help major carriers.

The New York Times

Unless you walk around with Excel spreadsheets in your head, you will need help deciding which card to whip out at the cash register.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Ghana's European-based stars will help decide that.

The New York Times - Sports

"Help Decide the Future of Copake!!" it reads.

The New York Times

Others said local issues would help decide the November election.

The New York Times

It took a rare error by Endy Chavez to help decide things.

The New York Times - Sports

Actors Hugh Dancy and Bridget Moynahan will help decide a winner for the narrative short film competition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking "help deciding", be specific about the type of assistance you need. Vague requests can lead to unfocused advice.

Common error

Avoid solely relying on others for "help deciding" without first considering your own preferences and goals. External input should complement, not replace, your judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "help deciding" functions primarily as a verb phrase used to express the act of assisting or supporting someone in the process of making a decision. This phrase highlights the supportive role in the decision-making process, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "help deciding" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that offers assistance in decision-making processes. According to Ludwig, it functions as a verb phrase with a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts ranging from news and media to scientific research and general guidance. Remember to tailor your assistance to the specific needs of the situation, and avoid over-reliance on external input. Alternatives like "assist in deciding" or "provide guidance in deciding" can be employed for a more formal tone. Understanding these nuances will enable more effective communication and support in decision-making scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assist in deciding

Replaces "help" with "assist", maintaining the same meaning.

aid in deciding

Uses "aid" instead of "help", implying a more formal assistance.

assistance with deciding

Similar to "assist in deciding" but uses a different preposition.

support in deciding

Emphasizes providing support during the decision-making process.

guidance in deciding

Focuses on offering direction and advice.

advice on deciding

Highlights the provision of recommendations for the decision.

facilitate deciding

Indicates making the decision process easier.

contribute to deciding

Suggests playing a role in influencing the decision.

inform the decision

Focuses on providing information that influences the decision-making.

shape the decision

Implies actively influencing the final outcome of the decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "help deciding" when you need assistance with a choice, as in, "I need "help deciding" which car to buy" or "Can you "help deciding" what to wear?"

What's a more formal way to say "help deciding"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "assist in deciding" or "provide guidance in deciding". For example, "We can assist in deciding the best course of action".

Is it better to say "help decide" or "help deciding"?

Both "help decide" and "help deciding" are grammatically correct, but "help deciding" emphasizes the ongoing process of making a decision. "Help decide" focuses on the final act of choosing.

What are some alternatives to "help deciding"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "aid in the decision", "offer support in choosing", or "provide assistance with the selection".