help them to find

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest an action that someone else take to help someone else to find something. For example, "I offered to help them to find a solution to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Defending dead balls better might help them to find it.

The Guardian - Sport

I work with asylum seekers trying to help them to find jobs and integrate.

Independent

I can help them to find the black, offshore accounts of all the booksellers.

The New Yorker

Their hope was that publicity would help them to find their daughter.

The Guardian - Opinion

That being the case, how can we as parents and educators help them to find that intention?

University of California, Berkeley

The idea is to try to help them to find other ways, individual or collectively, to mark those moments".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

The courses are also available online, which helps them to find income and employment while studying.

Independent

In particular, the theatre has worked with Syrians, helping them to find their feet in Leeds.

The Guardian

Teammates said Miller helped them to find their classes, guided them through workouts, listened to their problems and dispensed advice.

The New York Times - Sports

It helps them to find new jobs, and even to negotiate a good contract with their new bosses.

The Economist

Better to rescue their inhabitants, in part by helping them to find jobs and houses in more successful cities.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "help them to find", ensure that the context clearly indicates what 'them' refers to, avoiding ambiguity in your writing. For example, instead of "We need to help them to find it", specify "We need to help the refugees to find housing".

Common error

Avoid stringing multiple clauses together using "help them to find" as this can lead to convoluted and difficult-to-read sentences. Break down complex ideas into simpler sentences for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "help them to find" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intent. It typically follows a verb and clarifies the means by which a particular goal can be achieved. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and common in usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "help them to find" is a versatile and widely used expression that conveys the act of assisting others in locating or discovering something. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news, academic and scientific sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communications. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the referent of 'them' is unambiguous. While "help them to find" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "assist them in locating" or "facilitate their discovery of" in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

support them in finding

Emphasizes the act of providing support during the process of finding.

assist them in locating

Replaces "help" with the more formal "assist" and "find" with "locating".

offer assistance so they can find

Breaks down the action into offering assistance with the explicit goal of enabling them to find.

aid them in discovering

Substitutes "help" with "aid" and "find" with "discovering", suggesting a more exploratory process.

enable them to locate

Replaces "help" with "enable", focusing on providing the means or opportunity to find something.

guide them to discover

Suggests a more directional form of help, where the helper is leading the way.

contribute to their finding

Highlights the contribution made to their search or discovery.

facilitate their discovery of

Uses more formal language to describe making the process of discovery easier.

be instrumental in their search for

Indicates a significant role in their search.

lend a hand in their quest to find

Uses a more informal and figurative expression of assistance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "help them to find" for a more formal tone?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "assist them in locating", "facilitate their discovery of", or "enable them to locate" to maintain a professional register.

Is "help them find" grammatically correct without the "to"?

Yes, "help them find" is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in more informal contexts. The inclusion of "to" ("help them to find") is also correct, though slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "help them to find" and "help them find"?

The difference is subtle. "Help them find" is more direct and slightly less formal, while "help them to find" includes the infinitive marker "to", adding a touch of formality. Both are generally acceptable.

In what situations is it best to use "help them to find"?

Use "help them to find" in situations where a slightly more formal or explicit tone is desired, such as in professional communications, academic writing, or when addressing someone of higher authority. In everyday conversation, "help them find" is perfectly suitable.