obtain assistance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtain assistance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of seeking help or support from someone or something. Example: "If you encounter any issues during the project, please do not hesitate to obtain assistance from your supervisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

In some cases, the participants reported approaching instructors or teaching assistants outside of class to obtain assistance with homework, upcoming or previous exams, and challenging concepts or problems.

International Journal of STEM Education

§ 621.11 Who may obtain assistance.

Cornell University

Released late in 1573, Leslie tried without success to obtain assistance for Mary from continental rulers.

Britannica

With this model, the robot asks questions to the human in order to obtain assistance with cognition and perception.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

The telecare service consisted of a personal alarm system that elderly people could use to obtain assistance at home in case of emergency.

Technological Forecasting and Social Change

The contracting officer must review the facts pertinent to the claim, and may obtain assistance from assigned counsel and other advisors, and issue a final decision in writing.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Mrs. Salcedo has had more success than other security guards' widows in obtaining assistance.

The New York Times

One of the big problems that victims face is obtaining assistance from the banks after such incidents.

The Guardian - Money

Notices were placed in newspapers notifying victims of the process for obtaining assistance.

The New York Times

"Of particular concern will be ensuring that entrepreneurs do not face new hurdles in obtaining assistance in starting, operating or expanding their small businesses — whether accessing capital, pursuing exporting opportunities, or contracting with the federal government".

The New York Times

The commander of an installation (or, if there is no such commander, an appropriate official of the Department of Defense designated by the Secretary) shall use funds made available under subsection (g) for obtaining assistance under this paragraph.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, use "obtain assistance" to convey a professional tone, especially in official requests or reports. For instance: 'Please contact the help desk to obtain assistance with software installation.'

Common error

Avoid using "obtain assistance" in casual conversation; more direct phrases like "get help" or "find support" are more appropriate. For example, instead of saying 'I need to obtain assistance with this,' say 'Can you help me with this?'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain assistance" functions primarily as a verb phrase, acting as the predicate in a sentence, indicating the action of acquiring help or support. Ludwig shows that this phrase is used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obtain assistance" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression for acquiring help or support, as confirmed by Ludwig. While versatile, it leans towards formal contexts, making it suitable for professional and academic writing. The phrase is commonly found in scientific, news, and academic sources. While options like "get help" are available for informal settings, "obtain assistance" provides a more professional tone when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek assistance

Focuses more on the act of actively searching for help.

request support

Emphasizes the act of asking for aid, whether emotional, practical, or financial.

get help

A more informal and direct way of saying "obtain assistance".

secure aid

Highlights the successful acquisition of help or resources.

acquire support

Similar to 'secure aid' but slightly broader, encompassing various forms of support.

procure help

Implies a more formal and sometimes complex process of obtaining assistance.

enlist aid

Suggests actively engaging others to provide help.

call for assistance

Indicates a public or urgent need for help.

access services

Focuses on gaining entry to systems or resources that provide assistance.

find support

Emphasizes the discovery of assistance that is already available.

FAQs

How can I use "obtain assistance" in a sentence?

You can use "obtain assistance" when you want to express the act of receiving help or support. For example, "Students can obtain assistance from tutors after class."

What are some alternatives to "obtain assistance"?

Some alternatives include "seek assistance", "get help", or "request support".

Is it more appropriate to use "obtain assistance" or "get assistance" in a formal setting?

"Obtain assistance" is generally more formal than "get assistance" and is often preferred in professional or academic writing. Use "obtain assistance" in official reports, requests, or when communicating with superiors.

What is the difference between "obtain assistance" and "find support"?

"Obtain assistance" implies a more active effort to acquire help, while "find support" suggests discovering help that is already available. For example, you might obtain assistance by contacting a specific organization, or you might find support through a community group.