it helps to wind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it helps to wind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the benefits of winding something, such as a clock, a toy, or a mechanism that requires winding to function properly. Example: "When the battery runs low, it helps to wind the device manually to ensure it continues to operate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It helps to wind down afterwards.

The Guardian

Dr Annemarie Luik, a researcher at the University of Oxford, specialising in solutions for insomnia, agrees that it helps to wind down at least an hour before bed, doing relaxing activities like reading, knitting or listening to music.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Because I helped to wind the clock, I come to hear it strike".~ William Butler Yeats.

Huffington Post

When I'm in this situation, where my brain seems to be winding up instead of winding down, it helps to imagine a peaceful scene, like a picnic in the country, or something boring, like an organizational meeting for some parent group that I'm expected to volunteer for.

Huffington Post

Many people have devised winning investment strategies -- although it helps to have a bull-market wind at your back.

The New York Times

But nonetheless it speaks of being feted, finding that, "honestly, / It did help to be wound in jewels, to send / Their colors flashing forth from vents in the deep / Fragrant sable that cloaked me head to foot".

The New York Times - Books

After a busy but productive day, I travel back to Shropshire to get ready for a session of circuit training which, believe it or not, helps me to wind down and relax ready for the next day.

The Guardian

In the eastern part of the state, rough terrain helps to reduce wind resources.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

It helps wind me down and carries me to an alternate universe.

Huffington Post

Antioxidants may help to control wound oxidative stress and thereby accelerate wound healing [ 33].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

working past nightfall, which can help us to wind down a bit earlier at.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relaxation techniques, use "it helps to wind down" to emphasize the calming effect, as in, "A warm bath helps to wind down after a stressful day."

Common error

Avoid confusing the verb 'wind' (to turn or tighten) with the noun 'wind' (moving air). For example, don't say "It helps to feel the wind" when you mean "It helps to feel the breeze."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it helps to wind" functions as a clause expressing assistance or facilitation in the action of winding. According to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically sound and usable. The examples showcase its application in describing a process that assists in winding something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it helps to wind" is grammatically correct and used to describe something that assists in the process of winding. While not extremely common, as per Ludwig AI, it appears in varied contexts, from news to scientific content. When writing, remember to use it to show facilitation of the winding action and avoid confusing the verb "wind" with the noun meaning moving air. Use alternative phrasing, like "it assists in winding", for slight variations in tone or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it assists in winding

Replaces 'helps' with 'assists', providing a slightly more formal tone but maintaining the core meaning.

it aids in the winding

Replaces 'helps' with 'aids', providing a more formal tone. This maintains the meaning, but adds some emphasis.

it contributes to winding

Substitutes 'helps' with 'contributes', suggesting a partial but significant effect on the winding process.

it facilitates winding

Uses 'facilitates' instead of 'helps', implying that it makes the winding process easier.

it is conducive to winding

Replaces 'helps' with 'is conducive to', indicating a favorable condition for winding something.

it enables winding

Highlights the enabling aspect of the winding process, focusing on providing the means to wind.

it serves to wind

Suggests the winding as purpose. This maintains a similar meaning, with a small adjustment.

it is beneficial for winding

Focuses on the benefits of the winding process, emphasizing that winding is good.

it promotes winding

Stresses the promotion of the winding process, highlighting that it encourages the action of winding.

it supports winding

Implies backing or assistance for winding, suggesting a supporting role in the winding action.

FAQs

How can "it helps to wind" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "it helps to wind" can be used when describing a process or action that facilitates the winding of something. For example, "Applying lubricant it helps to wind the mechanism smoothly."

What's the difference between "it helps to wind" and "it helps to wind down"?

"It helps to wind" generally refers to the act of physically winding something, while "it helps to wind down" means to relax or de-stress.

What are some alternatives to "it helps to wind"?

Alternatives include "it assists in winding", "it facilitates winding", or "it aids in the winding", depending on the specific context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "it helps to wind"?

Use "it helps to wind" when describing the direct act of winding something, such as a clock or a toy. For example, when referring to an old clock mechanism, you might say, "Regular maintenance it helps to wind the clock properly."