help him up

USAGE SUMMARY

"help him up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in the imperative form, and it typically implies that someone needs help getting off the ground, for example, after tripping or falling. For example: "John tumbled over, and I quickly ran to him to help him up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"After the play I help him up and pat him on the behind.

The New York Times - Magazine

I know when I see a guy lying in the street, I want to help him up".

The New York Times

One witness, Darrin Deleuil, said he saw Mr. Ercolino fall to the ground and rushed over to help him up, not realizing he had been shot.

The New York Times

One, however, had the presence of mind to bring Neal's bag and help him up the steep jet bridge to the terminal.

Independent

"I went over and was going to help him up, and then all of a sudden I saw what it was," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

If one of them falls down, the other can help him up.... Two people can resist an attack that would defeat one person alone.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

A race official came to check on him and helped him up.

The Guardian

A guard helped him up, but Arnett dismissed him and hobbled inside, his khakis ripped at the left knee.

The New Yorker

She helped him up and down the stairs when he was weak, helped empty the bag attached to his body.

The New York Times

Fellow jumpers helped him up, and he began high-stepping around the pit as the crowd roared.

The New York Times - Sports

Byrd helped him up, but then ruled the fight over because Klitschoko could not take care of himself.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "help him up", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for needing assistance, such as a fall or difficulty standing. This avoids ambiguity and provides a clearer picture for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "help him up" in purely metaphorical situations where physical assistance isn't implied. Opt for phrases like "support" or "encourage" in such cases for greater accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "help him up" functions as a verb phrase, specifically an action verb indicating assistance. It typically describes the act of providing physical support to someone who is down or struggling to stand, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "help him up" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of assisting someone to stand. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media, as well as in wikis and scientific publications. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is most appropriate for situations where physical assistance is required. When a more formal tone is needed, alternatives like "assist him to stand" may be considered. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's role in conveying empathy and support in both literal and, to a lesser extent, figurative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

help him to stand

A slightly more formal way of expressing the same action.

reach down and pull him up

Describes the physical action of assisting.

assist him to his feet

More formal alternative emphasizing the action of helping someone stand.

pull him to his feet

Emphasizes the action of physically pulling someone upwards.

support him in standing

Focuses on the support provided during the act of standing.

give him a lift

More casual, implying a boost upwards.

aid him to get back on his feet

Emphasizes recovery and restoration to a standing position.

offer him assistance to rise

A more polite and formal way of offering help.

lend him a hand to rise

A more literary and figurative way to describe offering assistance.

provide support as he rises

Focuses on the ongoing support during the act of standing.

FAQs

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

You can use "help him up" when someone has fallen or needs assistance standing. For example: "After the stumble, I rushed to "help him up"."

What are some alternatives to "help him up"?

Alternatives include "assist him", "aid him", or "give him a hand", depending on the level of formality required.

Is "help him up" grammatically correct?

Yes, "help him up" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase in English.

When is it appropriate to use "help him up" versus "assist him to stand"?

"Help him up" is more informal and direct, suitable for everyday conversation. "Assist him to stand" is more formal and may be used in professional or official contexts.