help him out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "help him out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to assisting someone with something, or to provide aid or assistance to someone. For example, "My brother was really struggling with his job search, so I decided to help him out by introducing him to some of my contacts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"Pamela, help him out".

The New York Times

I help him out".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I had to help him out".

The New York Times

Perhaps Carlton could help him out?

The Guardian - Sport

"You help him out in some way".

The New York Times - Sports

I help him out a bit.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

They helped him out real well there.

The New York Times

He's helped him out a lot".

The New York Times - Sports

Pervez helped him out: "It was a TV programme".

The Guardian

"I think his composure helps him out a lot.

The New York Times - Sports

"We helped him out," is all the aide would say.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "help him out" in informal contexts when you want to convey a sense of casual assistance or support.

Common error

Avoid using "help him out" in formal writing or professional communication; opt for more formal alternatives like "assist him" or "provide assistance".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "help him out" functions primarily as a transitive verb phrase, where "help" is the verb and "out" is a particle modifying the verb's meaning. As Ludwig confirms, it is used to describe the act of providing assistance or support to someone. It requires a direct object ("him").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "help him out" is a common and generally correct way to express providing assistance, as validated by Ludwig AI. While suitable for informal contexts, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "assist him" in professional or academic settings. As Ludwig's examples show, the phrase is frequently used in news and media, indicating its widespread understanding and acceptance. Be mindful to avoid overuse in formal writing and to consider context when choosing between "help him out" and similar phrases like "bail him out", which carry different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assist him

A more formal way to say help, omitting the "out".

lend him a hand

An idiomatic expression signifying assistance.

give him assistance

More formal and direct, emphasizing the act of giving.

aid him

A concise and slightly formal synonym for help.

support him

Implies providing encouragement or resources.

do him a favor

Suggests a specific act of kindness.

back him up

Emphasizes providing support in a challenging situation.

give him a leg up

To help someone to improve their situation.

be of assistance to him

Very formal phrasing.

bail him out

Specifically refers to rescuing someone from trouble.

FAQs

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

You can use "help him out" to describe providing assistance to someone. For example, "I decided to "help him out" with his homework".

What are some alternatives to "help him out"?

Alternatives include "assist him", "lend him a hand", or "give him assistance", depending on the level of formality you need.

Is "help him out" appropriate for professional emails?

While understood, "help him out" might be too casual for professional emails. Consider using phrases like "assist him" or "provide support" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "help him out" and "bail him out"?

"Help him out" generally means providing assistance, while "bail him out" implies rescuing someone from a difficult situation, often financial or legal. The phrase "bail him out" has a specific connotation of getting someone out of trouble.