helping to build

USAGE SUMMARY

'helping to build' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are speaking about something that is in the process of being constructed. For example, "My father and I have been helping to build a tree house in our backyard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'll be helping to build Glastonbury.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I am helping to build a political party".

The New York Times

"It's helping to build the character of the kids".

The New York Times

Eventually he was helping to build an atomic bomb.

Princeton University

Ms. Loroupe is helping to build such a clinic now.

The New York Times

A spokeswoman, quoted by CNN, said, "We're just helping to build the buzz".

The New Yorker

It spends billions on aid projects there, helping to build roads and other infrastructure.

The New York Times

He cleared mines before helping to build and maintain the artificial "Mulberry" harbour at Arromanches.

Independent

Mr. Itskov was helping to build New Media Stars when he had an uncomfortable epiphany.

The New York Times

In Iran, for instance, it is helping to build a nuclear reactor.

The Economist

"It took a long time and I am looking forward to helping to build Kosovo society".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "helping to build", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being built, whether it is a physical structure, a system, or a relationship. Use specific nouns to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "helping to build" without specifying what the intended outcome is. For example, instead of saying "They are helping to build," specify "They are helping to build a community center" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "helping to build" functions as a gerund phrase, typically acting as a noun in a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, it describes the action of contributing to the construction or development of something. The field 'aiResponseStatus' from Ludwig confirms that the phrase is appropriate in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

15%

Wiki

3%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "helping to build" is a versatile and frequently used expression in English, functioning as a gerund phrase. According to Ludwig, the phrase is appropriate in English writing. It describes the active participation in constructing or developing something, whether physical structures, relationships, or abstract concepts. Its neutral register makes it suitable across various contexts, notably in news, academic, and business settings. While grammatically sound, clarity is enhanced when specifying the object being built. Alternatives like "assisting in construction" or "aiding in the development" offer nuanced options for specific situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being instrumental in building

Implies a crucial role in the construction process.

assisting with erecting

Specifically refers to aiding in the act of raising or setting something upright.

assisting in construction

Focuses on the act of aiding directly in physical construction rather than a broader building process.

collaborating on constructing

Stresses the collaborative effort in a construction project.

aiding in the development

Emphasizes the support given during a developmental stage rather than the physical act of building.

partnering in development

Highlights a formal partnership role in a developmental project.

contributing to the creation

Highlights the contribution towards something being made, but may not always involve physical construction.

supporting the establishment

Focuses on providing support to set up or establish something, which may or may not include building.

facilitating the growth

Emphasizes the role of enabling growth, which is less direct than building.

playing a part in forming

Highlights the involvement in the act of formation, which could be abstract or concrete.

FAQs

How can I use "helping to build" in a sentence?

You can use "helping to build" to describe an action that contributes to the construction or development of something. For example, "She is helping to build a new school in the village."

What's a good alternative to "helping to build"?

Alternatives include "assisting in construction", "aiding in the development", or "contributing to the creation" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "helping build" or "helping to build"?

"Helping to build" is generally more formal and grammatically complete. "Helping build" is also acceptable, especially in informal contexts, but "helping to build" maintains a clearer and more standard structure.

What does "helping to build" imply?

The phrase "helping to build" implies active participation and contribution towards the creation, development, or establishment of something, often involving effort and collaboration.