help wanted

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "help wanted" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used as a sign or advertisement to indicate that a company or organization is in need of employees or assistance in some capacity. Example: "The local newspaper had a section titled 'help wanted' filled with job listings for various industries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Help wanted.

The New York Times

More recently, "Help Wanted: Wall Street C.E.O".

The New York Times

The sign outside the diner said help wanted.

The New York Times

"We liked to say we 'de-sexegated' help wanted ads.

The Guardian

He has reluctantly started to read the Help Wanted ads.

The New York Times

He's working on a memoir called "Help Wanted".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Help-wanted has been a disaster".

The New York Times

Even Target has posted help-wanted signs in Portuguese.

The New York Times

Advertising in general, help-wanted ads in particular.

The New York Times

Help-wanted advertising has fallen to a 37-year low.

The New York Times

Help-wanted is still lagging; retail is sort of mixed".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "help wanted" in job postings, clearly specify the role, responsibilities, and required qualifications to attract suitable candidates.

Common error

Avoid vague or generic descriptions when advertising "help wanted". Provide accurate and detailed information about the position to prevent attracting unqualified applicants.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "help wanted" functions primarily as an advertisement or announcement, indicating that there is a need for personnel or assistance. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Social Media

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "help wanted" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate job openings. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use and clarity. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it serves as an advertisement for potential employees. For more formal settings, alternatives like "seeking employees" might be more suitable. When crafting job postings using "help wanted", prioritize specific and detailed descriptions to attract the most qualified candidates. While "help wanted" is universally understood, tailoring language to the specific audience and context will yield optimal results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

now hiring

Modern rephrasing of "help wanted".

staff needed

Highlights the requirement for personnel to complete tasks.

job openings available

Rephrases the request for help into explicitly stating there are jobs available.

we are hiring

Direct statement indicating the company's recruitment efforts.

seeking employees

More formal way to express that a company requires workers.

urgent need for staff

Emphasizes the immediacy and criticality of filling the vacancies.

positions available

Focuses on the open positions rather than the need for help.

looking for candidates

Indicates active search for suitable employees.

vacancy available

Highlights the existence of an open position.

careers available

Suggests long-term employment opportunities.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "help wanted"?

The phrase "help wanted" indicates that a company or individual is seeking assistance, usually in the form of employment. It's a common sign or advertisement for job openings.

What's a modern alternative to "help wanted"?

Modern alternatives include phrases like "now hiring", "we are hiring", or "job openings available", which may sound more contemporary and appealing to potential candidates.

How do I effectively use "help wanted" in a job ad?

To use "help wanted" effectively, follow it with specific details about the position, responsibilities, and qualifications. For example, "Help wanted: Experienced barista for busy coffee shop".

Is "help wanted" considered formal or informal?

The phrase "help wanted" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "seeking employees" or "positions available".