helps to

USAGE SUMMARY

"helps to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate how one thing helps another thing happen or be achieved. For example: "A balanced diet helps to keep our bodies healthy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It helps to dream big.

The New Yorker

It helps to tells someone.

Independent

He helps to fund hospitals.

The New York Times - Sports

XML helps to do this.

The Economist

It helps to be organized.

The New York Times

Circumcision helps to protect men.

The Economist

It helps to specialise.

The Guardian

It helps to lick your lips.

The New Yorker

All this helps to quieten the critics.

The Economist

Andean diffidence helps to avoid conflict.

The Economist

"It certainly helps to hit the net".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "helps to" when you want to clearly express that one action or element is contributing to a specific result or goal. It's a straightforward way to show causality or support.

Common error

While "helps to" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal contexts. Vary your language by using stronger verbs like 'facilitates', 'promotes', or 'enables' to add nuance and sophistication to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "helps to" functions as a linking verb indicating assistance or contribution towards achieving a particular action or result. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly and effectively expresses how one thing aids another. This is validated by numerous examples where it connects a subject with an action or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

37%

News & Media

29%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "helps to" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys assistance or contribution. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, as demonstrated by its frequent appearance in Wiki, News & Media, and Scientific sources. While alternatives like "contributes to" or "facilitates" may be preferred in more formal writing, "helps to" remains a clear and accessible choice for expressing causal relationships and supportive actions. Remember to use "helps to" before a verb to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contributes to

Emphasizes the action as part of a larger outcome or effect.

assists in

Formal alternative, focusing on direct aid or support.

aids in

Similar to 'assists in' but slightly more formal and concise.

facilitates

Highlights making a process or action easier.

supports

Indicates providing backing or reinforcement.

serves to

Focuses on the purpose or function something fulfills.

is instrumental in

Emphasizes a crucial role in achieving something.

plays a part in

Indicates involvement or contribution, often as one of several factors.

promotes

Highlights the act of encouraging or furthering something.

enables

Focuses on providing the means or opportunity for something to happen.

FAQs

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

The phrase "helps to" is used to indicate that something assists or contributes to a particular outcome. For instance, "Regular exercise "helps to" improve cardiovascular health."

What are some alternatives to saying "helps to"?

You can use phrases like "contributes to", "assists in", or "facilitates" as alternatives to "helps to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "helps to" or "helps in"?

"Helps to" is generally preferred when followed by a verb, while "helps with" is used before a noun or gerund. For example, "This device "helps to" reduce noise" is correct, while "This tool "helps with" the cleaning process" is also acceptable.

What is the difference between "helps to" and "allows to"?

"Helps to" indicates assistance or contribution, while "allows to" suggests providing permission or opportunity. For example, "Studying "helps to" improve your grades", whereas "A visa "allows to" travel to another country."