is not helping

USAGE SUMMARY

"is not helping" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that someone or something is not having a positive effect on a situation. For example, "John's comments are not helping to clear up the confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This bickering, needless to say, is not helping the supposed allies push back IS.

The Economist

The market is not helping.

The Economist

"This is not helping".

The New York Times

It is not helping my father.

The New York Times - Health

The macroeconomic climate is not helping.

The Economist

Government spending is not helping, either.

The New York Times

Europe is not helping us".

The Guardian

AUDREY: This is not helping!

The New Yorker

The job is not helping".

The New York Times

Japan's aging population is not helping consumption.

The New York Times

"This is not helping my campaign.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not helping" to directly state that an action or situation is failing to improve a particular circumstance. It's best suited for scenarios where a clear expectation of positive impact exists but isn't being met.

Common error

While versatile, "is not helping" can sound too informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "is counterproductive" or "is not beneficial" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not helping" functions as a present continuous verb phrase indicating that a subject is currently failing to provide assistance or improve a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is not helping" is a commonly used phrase to express that something or someone is not improving a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile. While suitable for many contexts, more formal alternatives might be preferable in professional or academic writing. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources. Remember to consider the specific context and intended tone when choosing between "is not helping" and its many synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not beneficial

Focuses on the lack of positive impact or advantage.

is proving unhelpful

Suggests that something intended to assist is, in reality, not doing so.

is counterproductive

Highlights that the action is achieving the opposite of the intended result.

is of no assistance

Highlights the absence of aid or support.

is hindering

Emphasizes an obstructive action, making something more difficult.

is failing to aid

Focuses on the lack of support being provided.

is complicating matters

Suggests increasing the difficulty of a situation.

is making things worse

Indicates a negative impact, exacerbating an existing problem.

is exacerbating the problem

Indicates the problem is getting worse.

is detrimental

Stresses the damaging nature of the action or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "is not helping" in a sentence?

You can use "is not helping" to indicate that something or someone isn't improving a situation or may even be making it worse. For example: "His negativity "is not helping" the team's morale".

What are some alternatives to saying "is not helping"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "is hindering", "is counterproductive", or "is making things worse" instead of "is not helping".

When is it appropriate to use "is not helping"?

"Is not helping" is suitable for a variety of situations, from informal conversations to news reports. However, consider using a more formal alternative in academic or professional writing to maintain a sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "is not helping" and "is hindering"?

While both phrases suggest a lack of positive impact, "is hindering" implies an active obstruction or impediment, whereas "is not helping" simply indicates a failure to improve the situation.