help us to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "help us to understand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting clarification or assistance in grasping a concept or situation. Example: "We appreciate your insights, and we hope you can help us to understand the complexities of this issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Understanding these questions could help us to understand the limits of the brain's storage capacity".

The Guardian

These dimensions help us to understand e ∞ -space which is used in high energy physics.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

A better understanding of cyanobacterial PRXs can help us to understand the antioxidant mechanisms of cyanobacteria.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Developments typical of adolescence, most notably pubertal maturation, may help us to understand the specifics of adolescents' SEIM use better.

Archives of Sexual Behavior

It might help us to understand each other.

The New Yorker

Does it help us to understand Hitler any better?

The Guardian - Film

"Ultimately, it will help us to understand better our own liquid environments".

Independent

As technology engenders new experiences of the world, it might also help us to understand them.

The Guardian - Books

Examining this rapid rise can help us to understand the current political situation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Indeed, they help us to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Journal of Theoretical Biology

This should help us to understand the global condition of the ionosphere.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "help us to understand", ensure that the context clearly indicates what needs to be understood. Be specific about the subject or concept requiring clarification.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "help us to understand" can sometimes sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "help us get it" or "help us figure it out" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "help us to understand" serves as an infinitive phrase expressing the purpose or intent of an action. As Ludwig AI states, this is a grammatically correct phrase. It is used to request assistance in comprehension, aiming to clarify a subject or concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "help us to understand" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Primarily functioning as an infinitive phrase, its purpose is to solicit clarification or guidance to facilitate comprehension. It is versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, though simpler alternatives might be preferred in casual settings. The phrase sees considerable use in scientific and news media, indicating its utility across diverse subjects. Remember to be specific about the topic needing clarification when using this phrase. Alternative phrases like "assist us in understanding" or "facilitate our comprehension" can be employed to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aid our understanding

Replaces "help" with "aid" and alters the structure to a noun phrase.

facilitate our comprehension

Substitutes "help" and "understand" with more formal synonyms.

assist us in comprehending

Replaces "help" with "assist" and uses the gerund form of "understand".

enable us to comprehend

Changes "help" to "enable", implying the phrase provides a way to understanding.

give us insight into

Uses a more figurative expression to convey the idea of understanding.

shed light on

Employs a metaphor indicating clarification and understanding.

clarify for us

Focuses on the act of making something clear.

make it easier for us to understand

Adds emphasis on the ease of understanding.

provide a clearer picture of

Uses a visual metaphor to describe understanding.

deepen our knowledge of

Indicates going beyond basic understanding to a more profound comprehension.

FAQs

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

You can use "help us to understand" when requesting clarification or assistance in grasping a concept or situation. For example, "Could you help us to understand the implications of this decision?"

What are some alternatives to "help us to understand"?

Alternatives include "assist us in understanding", "facilitate our comprehension", or "enable us to comprehend", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "help us understand" grammatically correct?

Yes, "help us understand" is also grammatically correct, and is often used in more informal contexts. The inclusion of "to" makes the phrase slightly more formal.

What is the difference between "help us understand" and "help us to understand"?

The difference is subtle. "Help us understand" is slightly more direct and informal, while "help us to understand" is a bit more formal and can sound more polite or inquisitive. Both are generally acceptable.