it helps to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it helps to be" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used when giving advice or suggesting a course of action that may be beneficial. Example: "It helps to be organized when planning a big event." This means that being organized can make the planning process easier or more successful. Another example: "It helps to be honest in a relationship." This means that being honest can lead to a healthier and stronger relationship.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It helps to be organized.

The New York Times

It helps to be good at math.

The New York Times

It helps to be healthy here.

The Guardian

It helps to be organised.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It helps to be a good communicator.

The Guardian - Arts

And it helps to be flexible.

The New York Times - Travel

Maybe it helps to be English.

The New York Times

It helps to be rich enough that failure doesn't matter.

The New York Times

I don't think it helps to be panicky".

Independent

It helps to be able to sell something right away.

The New York Times - Food

Sometimes in life, it helps to be superficial.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it helps to be", ensure the sentence clearly articulates what 'it' refers to. Clarity prevents ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it helps to be" without specifying how it helps. Provide concrete details or examples to support your statement and make it more persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it helps to be" functions as an introductory clause. It sets the stage for suggesting a beneficial attribute or condition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is commonly used when giving advice or suggesting a course of action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it helps to be" is a versatile and commonly used construction to suggest that possessing a certain quality or characteristic can be advantageous in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to provide specific examples to maximize the impact of your message. Understanding the nuances of this phrase empowers effective and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is advantageous to be

Replaces "helps" with a more formal "advantageous", emphasizing the benefit in a more direct way.

it is beneficial to be

Similar to 'advantageous', but with a slightly softer tone, highlighting the positive effects of a condition or action.

it's useful to be

Focuses on the practicality of possessing a certain quality or skill.

being something is an advantage

Shifts the focus to the state of being, emphasizing the inherent benefit.

having something is helpful

Emphasizes possession of a trait or resource as the beneficial aspect.

it pays to be

Suggests a return or reward for exhibiting a specific characteristic.

it's good to be

A more general and less emphatic way of saying something is beneficial.

a key factor is being

Highlights the importance of a specific attribute as a crucial element.

one should be

Offers a recommendation or advice on a desirable state of being.

the trick is to be

Suggests a strategy or secret to success that involves a particular attribute.

FAQs

How do I use "it helps to be" in a sentence?

Use "it helps to be" to suggest that a particular quality, skill, or condition is beneficial in a specific situation. For example, "It helps to be patient when learning a new language".

What can I say instead of "it helps to be"?

You can use alternatives like "it is advantageous to be", "it is beneficial to be", or "it's useful to be" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it helps being"?

While understandable, "it helps being" is less common and generally considered less formal than "it helps to be". The latter is the preferred construction in most formal writing contexts.

What's the difference between "it helps to be" and "it is important to be"?

"It helps to be" suggests a benefit or advantage, while "it is important to be" implies a necessity or requirement. The first is more about making things easier, while the second is about achieving a desired outcome or avoiding negative consequences.