of assistance

USAGE SUMMARY

"of assistance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is providing help or support. For example, "His advice was of great assistance to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No form of assistance must be excluded.

The New York Times

Here a critic should be of assistance.

Independent

The theme of "Assistance" is greed.

The New York Times - Arts

I hope this is of assistance.

The New Yorker

§ 33.42 Examples of assistance.

Cornell University

§ 217.42 Examples of assistance.

Cornell University

Other examples of assistance abound.

The New York Times

He had plenty of assistance.

The New York Times - Sports

He promised them all kinds of assistance.

The New York Times

"Might I be of assistance?" he asked.

The New Yorker

§ 983.53 Prohibition of assistance for ineligible units.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of assistance" in formal contexts where a more professional or sophisticated tone is desired. It adds a level of formality compared to simpler words like "helpful".

Common error

Avoid using "of assistance" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler words like "helpful" or "useful" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of assistance" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something or someone provides help or support. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

20%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of assistance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used way to indicate that something or someone provides help or support. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly acceptable in English. Its usage spans various contexts, from formal academic papers to news reports, though it's best suited for professional or neutral communications. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in informal settings, where simpler alternatives like "helpful" or "useful" may be more appropriate. Overall, understanding its nuanced application will enhance the clarity and tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of service

Mirrors the structure, swapping assistance for service.

useful

Simple adjective replacement that is widely accepted.

helpful

Replaces the prepositional phrase with a simple adjective.

aiding

Utilizes a gerund to emphasize the act of helping.

supportive

Focuses on providing encouragement or aid.

beneficial

Highlights the positive impact or advantage provided.

contributory

Indicates a contribution towards a positive outcome.

serviceable

Emphasizes the practical utility or functionality.

advantageous

Highlights the favorable or opportune nature of the help.

instrumental

Indicates a key role in achieving a result.

FAQs

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

You can use "of assistance" to describe something or someone that provides help or support. For example, "The information was of great assistance" or "He was of considerable assistance during the project".

What can I say instead of "of assistance"?

Alternatives to "of assistance" include "helpful", "useful", or "supportive", depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "of assistance" than "helpful"?

Yes, "of assistance" generally carries a more formal tone compared to "helpful". Use "of assistance" in professional or official communications where a higher degree of formality is appropriate.

When should I avoid using the phrase "of assistance"?

Avoid using "of assistance" in casual or informal settings, where it might sound overly formal or stilted. In these situations, simpler alternatives like "helpful" or "useful" are more suitable.