helps on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "helps on" is not standard in written English and may be considered incorrect.
It is typically used in informal contexts but lacks clarity and precision in formal writing. Example: "This tool helps on improving productivity."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"My cod quota is 1.4 kilos a day, and I have three people who go to sea on my boat, and one who helps on the shore.

BBC

If you're organized in your thoughts, if you can focus on one thing well, it helps on the course.

Forbes

The education bill helps on both fronts.

The Economist

This also helps on the bipartisanship front.

The New Yorker

The Hudson City deal helps on that score.

The New York Times

The camber helps on groomers and high speed".

The New York Times

"All of this helps on so many levels," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

His own daughter, Fiona, 6, helps on choruses.

The New York Times - Arts

"She helps on the change issue, doesn't she?

The New York Times - Magazine

"I think, in general, experience helps on this surface," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

"The piano wakes her senses and helps on her self-esteem".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, avoid using "helps on". Instead, opt for more precise alternatives like "assists with" or "aids in" to maintain clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "helps on" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, clarify the specific type of assistance provided by using more descriptive verbs and prepositions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "helps on" functions as a verb phrase indicating assistance or contribution. However, it's considered non-standard in formal English. Ludwig AI provides examples showing common usage, but also highlights its grammatical limitations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "helps on" is frequently encountered across diverse sources, it's important to acknowledge its non-standard grammatical standing. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is more suited to informal communication. For professional or academic writing, substituting it with more precise and grammatically correct alternatives such as "assists with" or "aids in" is advisable. Consider the context and desired level of formality to ensure clarity and correctness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assists with

Replaces "helps on" with a more grammatically standard construction, emphasizing the act of providing assistance.

aids in

Similar to "assists with", but uses a different verb to convey the idea of providing support.

contributes to

Focuses on the contribution made towards a specific goal or outcome.

is beneficial for

Highlights the positive impact or benefit of something.

supports

A more direct synonym, indicating the provision of assistance or backing.

is instrumental in

Emphasizes the crucial role something plays in achieving a particular result.

facilitates

Focuses on making a process or task easier.

lends itself to

Indicates that something is well-suited or adaptable for a specific purpose.

is conducive to

Similar to "is beneficial for", but emphasizes the creation of favorable conditions.

plays a part in

Highlights the role or involvement of something in a particular activity or situation.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "helps on"?

You can use alternatives like "assists with", "aids in", or "contributes to" depending on the context.

Is "helps on" grammatically correct?

While commonly used in informal contexts, "helps on" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. It's better to use alternatives like "helps with" or "aids in".

How can I use "assists with" instead of "helps on"?

Replace "helps on" with "assists with" followed by the object or activity being supported. For example, instead of "This tool helps on improving productivity", you would say "This tool assists with improving productivity".

What's the difference between "helps on" and "helps with"?

"Helps with" is the grammatically correct and widely accepted form. "Helps on" is often used informally, but it's advisable to use "helps with" in professional and academic writing to ensure clarity and correctness.