mutual assistance

USAGE SUMMARY

"mutual assistance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you are describing two or more entities helping each other. For example: "The two teams agreed to provide mutual assistance in order to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Among other things, these encourage mutual assistance in laundering cases.

The Economist

On Oct. 10, 1939, the U.S.S.R. forced Lithuania to accept a treaty of mutual assistance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. August likens such mutual assistance, a Hollywood tradition, to rock climbing.

The New York Times

A solidarity clause will require member states to provide mutual assistance in case of terrorist attack.

The New York Times

Odd jobs are part of a larger culture of mutual assistance.

The Guardian

It now provides information on Irish residents through a mutual assistance programme.

The Times

DR. HORN: What was the German reaction to this pact of mutual assistance?

Yale University

As the phrase implies, an obligation for mutual assistance is part of the nature of the relationship.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Applicant countries would do better to form mutual-assistance alliances among themselves.

The Economist

This appeared to undercut a mutual-assistance agreement that the rebel groups reached several weeks ago.

The New York Times

Sahlu Merine, treasurer of the Ethiopian Community Mutual Assistance Association of New York, a self described "die-hard injera lover," said he buys his supply from Ms. Mengistu.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about agreements or treaties, specify the areas in which "mutual assistance" will be provided for clarity and to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "mutual assistance" as a vague term. Instead, clearly define the specific forms of assistance being offered or received to ensure clear communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mutual assistance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a situation where two or more parties provide help or support to each other. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mutual assistance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that signifies reciprocal help or support between two or more parties. As indicated by Ludwig, the expression is considered correct and suitable for various contexts. Analysis of usage patterns shows its frequent appearance in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, suggesting a register that ranges from neutral to formal. When using this phrase, it is important to clearly define the specific forms of assistance involved to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "reciprocal aid", "collaborative support", and "joint cooperation", each offering a slightly different nuance while retaining the core concept of shared help.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reciprocal aid

Focuses on the reciprocal nature of the help provided.

collaborative support

Emphasizes the joint effort in providing support.

joint cooperation

Highlights the coordinated action for a common goal.

shared assistance

Underscores the shared nature of the help being given.

collective aid

Implies that the assistance is provided by a group.

cooperative effort

Highlights the joint effort towards a common objective.

combined resources

Focuses on pooling resources to provide help.

interdependent support

Stresses the reliance on each other for support.

pooled resources

Emphasizes the action of combining resources for mutual benefit.

concerted action

Implies a planned and coordinated effort to assist.

FAQs

How is "mutual assistance" typically used in legal or political contexts?

In legal and political contexts, "mutual assistance" often refers to formal agreements between entities (countries, organizations) to cooperate on specific matters such as criminal investigations or disaster relief. For example, a "mutual assistance treaty" outlines the terms of such cooperation.

What are some alternatives to "mutual assistance" in describing community support?

In the context of community support, you can use alternatives like "community support", "neighborly help", or "collective aid" to convey the idea of people helping each other within a community.

Is "mutual assistance" more formal or informal in tone?

"Mutual assistance" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for official documents, reports, and academic writing. In informal contexts, simpler terms like "helping each other" or "teamwork" may be more appropriate.

How does "mutual assistance" differ from simple "help"?

"Mutual assistance" implies a reciprocal relationship where both parties are both giving and receiving help, whereas "help" can be one-sided. The term "reciprocal aid" is a good synonym.