obtain help

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obtain help" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of seeking assistance or support from someone or something. Example: "If you are struggling with the project, don't hesitate to obtain help from your colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In the first place, few women know or obtain help in recognizing danger signs in pregnancy.

The New York Times - Health

To obtain help, Bolívar was sent on a mission to London, where he arrived in July.

Britannica

Also you can get obtain help of support if any questions arise.

Stanford University

Mr. Iole knows first-hand what it is like to need psychological counseling and to be unable to obtain help.

The New York Times

Employees can self-organize, obtain help from experts inside and outside the organization to get a job done.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As Glover lay bleeding in the street, he was picked up by three men, including his brother, and driven off to obtain help.

The Guardian

First-time users may have difficulty extracting information from the Web site, but may obtain help by calling a toll-free number, (800) Medicare (633-4227).

The New York Times

All of Sobieski's sons were interested in succeeding to the throne and tried to obtain help, either from the emperor or from France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Homelessness, the all-too-frequent aftermath of prison release, makes obtaining help virtually impossible.

The New York Times - Arts

Whenever possible, we extended help to other groups, and also obtained help and advice when necessary.

Cornell University

An article on Jan . 18about Kayi Adamah, a Bronx woman who obtained help from The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund for transportation to her kidney dialysis treatments, misstated her immigration status.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obtain help", clearly specify from whom or where the help is being obtained to provide context and clarity.

Common error

While "obtain help" is grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "get help" or "find support" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain help" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of acquiring or receiving assistance. As Ludwig AI specifies, it's a correct and usable phrase in English, employed to denote the process of seeking and getting support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obtain help" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that signifies seeking and receiving assistance. According to Ludwig, it's applicable across diverse scenarios, with a slightly more formal tone than alternatives like "get help". It appears commonly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While "obtain help" is widely accepted, consider the formality of your context to ensure your choice aligns with your intended audience. By specifying from whom or where help is being obtained, you can enhance clarity and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Seek assistance

Implies a more formal or proactive effort to find help.

Get support

Focuses on receiving emotional or practical aid.

Receive assistance

Emphasizes the act of being given help.

Find assistance

Focuses on the discovery or location of available help.

Secure aid

Suggests a more challenging or competitive process of getting help.

Acquire support

Highlights gaining or achieving support, often through effort.

Call for assistance

Suggests making a formal request for help, often in urgent situations.

Procure help

Implies a more formal and structured process of getting assistance.

Enlist aid

Involves actively recruiting or engaging help from others.

Access resources

Focuses on gaining entry to or utilizing available resources for help.

FAQs

What does "obtain help" mean?

The phrase "obtain help" means to succeed in getting assistance, support, or resources from someone or something. It implies an active effort to seek and receive aid.

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

You can use "obtain help" in various contexts, such as "Students can "get help" from tutors", or "The company needed to "find support" to overcome its financial difficulties". Using specific examples, you can see how the phrase adapts to diverse situations where assistance is required.

What are some alternatives to "obtain help"?

Alternatives to "obtain help" include phrases like "seek assistance", "get support", "receive assistance", or "find assistance". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is "obtain help" formal or informal?

"Obtain help" tends to be more formal than alternatives like "get help". Use "obtain help" in professional, academic, or official contexts, while "get help" is suitable for everyday conversation.