helpful for doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "helpful for doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that aids or assists in the completion of a task or activity. Example: "This guide is helpful for doing research effectively and efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The computer is also helpful for doing technical research.

European Journal of Futures Research

A stylus was helpful for doing markup, but I wonder how well complex web designs or precise blueprints or wireframes would fare in this tool.

TechCrunch

In future, to search for suitable cell lines in which wnt4 promoter reporter exhibits higher activity might be helpful for doing fine domain mapping in wnt4 promoter.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Tell your child what you think--that if he or she has a knack for detail, loves to read, has a good memory, and likes to help all kinds of people--that these are helpful qualities for doing many careers and "one of these is a doctor.

WikiHow

This finding is very helpful for investigators doing future research with female cardiac patients as they may be able to mitigate dropout by the awareness of these factors.

BioMed Research International

Reward the kids for doing helpful things or simply being good, but don't overdo it!

WikiHow

That startup has conducted a placebo-controlled randomized trial to support its claims that digital sleep interventions can be helpful, but it's unusual for doing so — and claimed it as the world's first such trial for a digital health product.

TechCrunch

These guides are very helpful for foods that do not come with a nutritional label and you should think about getting one if you are going to try the Atkins diet.

WikiHow

However, many did indicate that this intervention could be helpful for those who do have difficulties remembering, stating "it is not useful now, maybe later or for others", and that the IVR system "seemed like a good idea for others but not for me".

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

She doesn't mind at all but she thinks it's really helpful for PWD10 to do that.

BMC Geriatrics

That is a relatively small amount, but it could be particularly helpful for people who do not get flu shots now because they are allergic to eggs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "helpful for doing", ensure the gerund (doing) clearly relates to the noun or pronoun being described as helpful. For example, "This tool is helpful for doing data analysis efficiently."

Common error

Avoid using "helpful for doing" with abstract nouns that do not represent concrete actions. For instance, instead of saying "This book is helpful for doing understanding", say "This book is helpful for understanding" or "This book is helpful in gaining understanding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "helpful for doing" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition and a gerund. It is used to describe something that provides assistance or benefit in performing a specific action. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "helpful for doing" is a grammatically sound and relatively common construction used to describe something that aids in performing an action. As noted by Ludwig, it is suitable for a variety of contexts, from scientific writing to news articles. While it is generally neutral in tone, it's important to ensure that the gerund clearly relates to the subject and to avoid using it with abstract nouns. Alternatives such as "useful for performing" or "beneficial for undertaking" can provide greater nuance or formality when needed. Understanding these nuances will help you use "helpful for doing" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

useful for performing

Replaces "helpful" with "useful" and "doing" with "performing", maintaining a similar level of formality.

beneficial for undertaking

Substitutes "helpful" with "beneficial" and "doing" with the more formal "undertaking".

advantageous for conducting

Replaces "helpful" with "advantageous" and "doing" with "conducting", implying a strategic benefit.

supportive in executing

Changes the structure to emphasize the supporting role in the execution of a task.

instrumental in completing

Indicates a crucial role in the completion of an activity.

valuable for accomplishing

Highlights the value of something in achieving a goal.

effective for carrying out

Focuses on the effectiveness of something in the process of carrying out a task.

serviceable for achieving

Suggests practicality and utility in reaching a specific outcome.

aiding in the performance of

Uses a more verbose structure to emphasize the act of aiding in performing a task.

assisting with the execution of

Emphasizes the assistance provided in the execution of a task, highlighting a more formal tone.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "helpful for doing" in a sentence?

You can replace "helpful for doing" with alternatives such as "useful for performing", "beneficial for undertaking", or "advantageous for conducting" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "helpful for doing" and "helpful in doing"?

While both are grammatically sound, "helpful for doing" focuses more on the direct action, while "helpful in doing" suggests a broader role or context. For example, "This guide is helpful for doing research" versus "This guide is helpful in doing effective research".

Is it correct to say "helpful to do" instead of "helpful for doing"?

Yes, "helpful to do" is also correct, but it carries a slightly different meaning. "Helpful to do" implies that something is useful to be done, whereas "helpful for doing" implies that something is useful in the process of doing something. For example, "It is helpful to do your homework" (general advice) versus "This tool is helpful for doing your homework efficiently" (aiding the process).

Can "helpful for doing" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "helpful for doing" can be used in formal writing, but it depends on the specific context. In some cases, a more formal alternative such as "instrumental in completing" or "valuable for accomplishing" might be more appropriate.