helpful to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "helpful to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing how something or someone provides assistance or support in a particular context. Example: "The new software update has been very helpful to our team's productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's not helpful to Natasha".

The New York Times - Magazine

Greens are helpful to God.

The New Yorker

And it's helpful to accept.

The New Yorker

It might, perhaps, be helpful to farmers.

The Economist

They're also very helpful to me.

The New York Times

Does the calculator seem helpful to you?

The New York Times

The lively acoustics were helpful to Midori.

The New York Times - Arts

(Helpful to the job seeker).

The New Yorker

It's really helpful to me.

The Guardian

It's helpful to be together.

The New York Times

"It was helpful to me".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "helpful to", ensure that the context clearly defines who or what is benefiting from the action or object being described.

Common error

Avoid using "helpful to" without clearly specifying the subject. For example, instead of saying 'This is helpful to improve,' specify who or what will benefit: 'This strategy is helpful to project managers in improving efficiency'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "helpful to" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun. It typically describes something or someone that provides assistance or support. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and commonality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "helpful to" is a grammatically correct and common expression used to describe something that provides assistance or support. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts and is suitable for various registers, maintaining a neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines who or what is benefiting. Alternatives like ""beneficial for"" or ""advantageous to"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beneficial for

Focuses on the advantage or positive outcome something provides.

advantageous to

Highlights the favorable or strategic aspect of something.

useful for

Emphasizes the practicality and functionality of something.

of assistance to

A more formal way of expressing help or aid.

supportive of

Indicates providing encouragement or backing.

valuable for

Highlights the worth or importance of something.

instrumental in

Emphasizes the crucial role or agency in achieving a particular result.

contributory to

Highlights the part something plays in a larger outcome.

favorable to

Suggests a positive disposition or alignment.

good for

A more generic way of saying something brings benefits.

FAQs

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

Use "helpful to" to describe something that provides assistance or support. For example, "The new software is "helpful to" the marketing team".

What are some alternatives to "helpful to"?

Alternatives include "beneficial for", "advantageous to", or "useful for", depending on the specific context.

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

While both "helpful to" and "helpful for" can be used, "helpful to" is generally preferred when referring to a person or group, while "helpful for" is used for a purpose or activity. For instance, it's more common to say "helpful to students" and "helpful for studying".

What's the difference between "helpful to" and "beneficial to"?

Both phrases indicate a positive effect, but ""helpful to"" often implies direct assistance, while "beneficial to" suggests a broader, more general advantage. They are largely interchangeable but can have subtle differences in connotation.