helpful guide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "helpful guide" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a resource or document that provides assistance or information on a particular topic. Example: "This helpful guide will walk you through the steps needed to complete the project successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

(Gothamist has put together a helpful guide).

The New Yorker

Brooklyn Vegan has a helpful guide.

The New York Times

As with many central and eastern European cities, In Your Pocket has a helpful guide.

The Guardian - Travel

Use this helpful guide on how to research the names on war memorials.

The Guardian

But it did offer a helpful guide on "how to elect a U.S. president".

The New York Times

2.58pm BST My colleague Mark King has written a helpful guide to tickets for the games.

The Guardian - Sport

Here's a helpful guide to understanding what politicians are really saying.

The Guardian

But is it a helpful guide in very different circumstances in 2015?

The Guardian

Here's a helpful guide for using the federal business opportunities Web site.

The New York Times

A helpful guide to the potteries and galleries in the Seagrove area is available at any pottery or at www.discoverseagrove.com.com

The New York Times - Travel

A helpful guide is offered in the daily newspaper Le Figaro the day before the sales begin.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, precede the phrase "helpful guide" with a clear statement of the guide's purpose to immediately orient the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "helpful guide" if the resource only offers basic information or lacks practical steps. Ensure the content genuinely assists the reader in achieving a specific goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "helpful guide" functions as a noun phrase where "helpful" modifies the noun "guide". It describes a resource that offers assistance or direction. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig show the phrase used to introduce various types of instructional materials.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "helpful guide" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a resource that provides assistance or instruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely applicable across various domains. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in news and media, scientific literature, and formal business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the referenced guide genuinely offers practical help and avoids overstating its capabilities. Consider alternatives like "useful manual" or "informative resource" to fine-tune the message. Remember, context is key, and as a writer, you want to ensure you are always choosing the best phrasing for the job.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

useful manual

Replaces "helpful" with "useful", emphasizing practicality.

informative resource

Substitutes "guide" with "resource", highlighting the informational aspect.

practical handbook

Replaces both words to emphasize utility and conciseness.

valuable aid

Uses "valuable" instead of "helpful" to indicate importance and replaces "guide" to signal assistance.

instructive handbook

Highlights the teaching aspect, replacing both words with synonyms.

beneficial roadmap

Implies a more strategic direction, substituting "helpful" and "guide" with alternatives emphasizing advantages and strategic approach.

supportive companion

Conveys a sense of ongoing assistance, changing the focus to long-term support.

illuminating manual

Focuses on clarity and understanding, with alternative word choices.

reliable advisor

Positions the guide as a source of trusted advice, a slightly more personalized term.

actionable directions

Emphasizes the practical steps and guidance provided, altering both terms.

FAQs

How can I use "helpful guide" in a sentence?

You can use "helpful guide" to refer to resources that provide assistance or information. For example, "This "helpful guide" will walk you through the installation process".

What can I say instead of "helpful guide"?

You can use alternatives like "useful manual", "informative resource", or "practical handbook" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very helpful guide"?

While not grammatically incorrect, using "very" before "helpful" can sometimes be redundant. Consider using a stronger adjective like "valuable guide" or "essential guide" for greater impact.

What's the difference between a "helpful guide" and a "comprehensive guide"?

A ""helpful guide"" focuses on providing assistance, while a "comprehensive guide" aims to cover all aspects of a topic. A comprehensive guide may or may not be particularly helpful, and vice versa.