obtain help from

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"I don't have a Plan B," Mr. Duhalde said in an interview published on Sunday in the newspaper La Nación, "because the only plan is to solve the problems we have and obtain help from the I.M.F".

The New York Times

The majority returns the case to the Circuit Court for this partial recount of undervotes on the basis of unknown or, at best, ambiguous standards with authority to obtain help from others, the credentials, qualifications and objectivity of whom are totally unknown.

The New York Times

After failing to obtain help from European governments, GM has to restructure its Opel/Vauxhaull operations on its own, which will require substantial costs.

Forbes

Workers without such coverage can potentially obtain help from their state VR agency, but given the priorities and limited funding of VR agencies, it might be difficult for individuals to receive VR services during the early stages of disability onset, while they are still working.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Han and the others go to Cloud City on the planet Bespin to obtain help from Han's friend Lando Calrissian (Mort), "the only black guy in the galaxy", only to be turned over to Darth Vader.

Wikipedia

In an effort to simultaneously obtain help from France and reduce the number of personnel maintained in the city, the naval commander on the island, Contre-Admiral Pierre-Charles Villeneuve, ordered his subordinate Contre-Admiral Denis Decrès to put to sea with the large ship of the line Guillaume Tell, which had arrived in the port shortly before the siege began in September 1798.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

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

He said he was able to offset some of his losses from last year's aborted season by obtaining help from a program for businesses whose losses could be attributed to the Sept. 11 attack.

The New York Times

Correction: January 31 , 2005 Monday An article last Monday about Ramona Perez, a woman with a chronically ill daughter who obtained help from The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund to pay her rent, misspelled the name of her home city, the capital of the Dominican Republic.

The New York Times

EDF, which is 85% owned by the French state, is struggling against a mountain of debt and has told ministers it will not build Hinkley unless it obtains help from France's government.

The Guardian

Jennings went on to write sensitive and revealing stories about corruption in public services, obtaining help from within the SAS, the FBI in Washington and detectives in Miami, Germany, Rome and Palermo.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be specific about the source of help to provide clarity, for example, "obtain help from a mentor" or "obtain help from online resources".

Common error

While "obtain help from" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using phrases like "get help from" or "ask for help from" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtain help from" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of actively seeking and receiving assistance or support. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English. It appears in various contexts, as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obtain help from" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to express the action of seeking assistance or support. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English. While more formal alternatives like "seek assistance from" exist, "obtain help from" is appropriate in many contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and wiki-based sources. Its slightly formal tone makes it less common in casual conversation but suitable for more professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek assistance from

This alternative replaces "obtain help" with "seek assistance", providing a more formal tone.

get support from

This option uses simpler language, replacing "obtain help" with "get support".

receive aid from

This substitutes "obtain help" with "receive aid", focusing on the act of getting assistance.

secure assistance from

This phrase uses "secure assistance" instead of "obtain help", emphasizing the effort to acquire help.

enlist the aid of

This alternative uses a more active voice, highlighting the act of recruiting help.

acquire support from

This option replaces "obtain" with "acquire", suggesting a more deliberate effort to gain support.

find help through

This version shifts the focus to the means by which help is accessed.

benefit from the help of

This phrase emphasizes the positive outcome of receiving assistance.

be helped by

A more passive construction focusing on the recipient of the help.

draw assistance from

This alternative uses a more metaphorical expression, suggesting that help is being drawn from a resource.

FAQs

What does "obtain help from" mean?

The phrase "obtain help from" means to receive assistance or support from someone or something. It implies actively seeking and getting aid to address a need or solve a problem.

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

You can use "obtain help from" in sentences like: "Students can "obtain help from" tutors," or "Companies often "obtain help from" consultants."

What are some alternatives to "obtain help from"?

Alternatives to "obtain help from" include "seek assistance from", "get support from", or "receive aid from". The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

Is it better to say "get help from" or "obtain help from"?

Both phrases are correct, but "get help from" is more informal and commonly used in everyday conversation, while "obtain help from" is more formal and suitable for professional or academic contexts.