help to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "help to" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of providing assistance or aid. Example: The charity organization helps to provide medical supplies to underprivileged communities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Would it help to proceed more slowly?

The New York Times

That will help to quell popular anger.

The Economist

Residents help to stamp out racial violence.

The Economist

Individual tuition will help to build skills.

The Guardian

"It will help to reduce armed violence.

The New York Times

That will help to overcome this disaster".

The New York Times

Basic transparency would help to build trust.

Independent

Most obviously, they help to circulate ideas.

The Economist

It will help to define terms.

The New Yorker

Terrestrial mammals also help to disperse seeds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But they certainly help to attract sellers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "help to", ensure the verb following "to" is in its base form (e.g., "help to improve", not "help to improving").

Common error

While grammatically correct, "help to" can sometimes be replaced with a simpler verb. For instance, instead of "This will help to improve efficiency", consider using "This will improve efficiency".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "help to" functions as an auxiliary verb followed by an infinitive. It indicates assistance or contribution towards an action, as seen in Ludwig's examples where the phrase is frequently used to show how something facilitates or supports another action or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "help to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express assistance or contribution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and wikis. When writing, ensure the verb following "to" is in its base form, and consider whether a simpler phrasing might be more concise. While versatile, replacing "help to" with verbs like "assist", "aid", or "contribute" may provide a more formal or precise tone. Remember to focus on delivering clear meaning to the final user.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assist in

This alternative is more concise and formal, omitting the "help" component and focusing directly on the act of assisting.

aid in

This alternative replaces "help" with "aid", suggesting a more formal and supportive role.

contribute to

This alternative focuses on the act of making a contribution, highlighting the positive impact of the action.

support

This alternative directly indicates providing support without necessarily implying direct action.

facilitate

This alternative emphasizes making something easier or smoother, often in a process or activity.

enable

This alternative concentrates on making something possible or creating the conditions for something to happen.

promote

This alternative emphasizes encouraging or furthering the progress of something.

serve to

This alternative emphasizes the function or purpose of an action.

be instrumental in

This alternative highlights a crucial role in achieving a particular outcome.

lend a hand with

This alternative is more informal and indicates offering assistance in a practical way.

FAQs

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

Use "help to" when you want to indicate that something aids or assists in achieving a particular outcome. For example, "Regular exercise can "help to" improve your overall health".

What are some alternatives to "help to"?

You can use alternatives such as "assist in", "aid in", or "contribute to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "help in" instead of "help to"?

While "help in" is sometimes used, "help to" is generally considered more grammatically standard when followed by a verb. "Help in" is typically followed by a noun or gerund. Consider rephrasing your sentence for correctness.

What's the difference between "help to" and "assist in"?

Both phrases indicate assistance, but "assist in" is generally more formal than "help to". "Assist in" also typically implies a more significant or specialized level of aid.