help him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'help him' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used as an imperative verb, meaning that it is used to give someone an instruction or command. For example, "Please help him carry the boxes upstairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I should help him.

The New Yorker

I don't help him".

The New Yorker

"You help him fight".

The New York Times

You should help him.

The New York Times - Magazine

Can you help him?

The New York Times

The kids help him.

The New York Times

To help him.

The New Yorker

Please help him".

The New York Times

Help him know you.

Cornell University

Help him get there.

Cornell University

World does not help him.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "help him", ensure the context is clear to whom you are referring. If the subject is not immediately obvious, clarify the referent to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "help him" without a clear antecedent. For example, instead of saying "He needs help, so help him", specify: "He needs help, so help John".

Linguistic Context

"Help him" functions primarily as an imperative, directing or requesting someone to provide assistance to a male individual. This is supported by Ludwig, which indicates the phrase's common use in giving instructions or commands.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "help him" is a grammatically correct and commonly used imperative phrase, primarily employed to request or instruct someone to provide assistance to a male individual. As Ludwig highlights, it functions as a direct command. The phrase exhibits a neutral register, making it suitable for a variety of contexts, from formal discussions to casual conversations. Frequent contexts include news, academic settings, and how-to guides. Remember to ensure clarity in your writing by specifying who "him" refers to, and consider alternatives like "assist him" or "lend him a hand" depending on the desired tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assist him

A more formal alternative to "help him", implying a more structured or official form of assistance.

aid him

Similar to "assist him", but can also imply providing resources or support in a time of need.

lend him a hand

An idiomatic expression meaning to give practical help; more informal than "assist him".

give him support

Focuses on providing emotional or moral support rather than physical assistance.

back him up

Implies providing support in a challenging situation, often in a competitive or confrontational context.

be of assistance to him

A very formal and polite way of offering help.

offer him guidance

Suggests providing advice or direction rather than direct assistance.

look after him

Implies taking responsibility for someone's well-being, especially when they are vulnerable.

care for him

Similar to "look after him", with a stronger emphasis on nurturing and emotional support.

do him a favor

A more casual way of offering help, often for a specific task or request.

FAQs

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

Use "help him" as an imperative verb to instruct or request assistance for a male individual. For example, "If he's struggling, "help him" with the task".

What are some alternatives to "help him"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "assist him", "aid him", or "lend him a hand".

Is it grammatically correct to say "help him"?

Yes, "help him" is grammatically correct as an imperative. It directly instructs someone to provide assistance to a male individual.

What is the difference between "help him" and "help them"?

"Help him" refers to assisting a single male, while "help them" refers to assisting a group of people or individuals of unspecified gender. The choice depends on who needs assistance.