step in to help

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "step in to help" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone intervening or providing assistance in a situation that requires support. Example: "When the project was falling behind schedule, Sarah decided to step in to help the team meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Grandparents step in to help single mothers.

The New York Times

There is an "edge," beyond which God must step in to help.

The New York Times - Books

No investors, however, were forthcoming, with the ECB forced to step in to help.

The Guardian - Sport

When should public agencies step in to help a family that is overwhelmed?

The Guardian - Opinion

Possible saviors shy away, and the government won't step in to help.

The New Yorker

The state bank is now willing to step in to help restructure much of the debt.

The New York Times

It is yet unclear whether Pope Francis will step in to help the architect.

Independent

The Federal Reserve had to step in to help return depositors' funds.

The Economist

Ron Larson (Gregory Hines and Pat Laughlin James Belushihi) are the journalists who step in to help their cause.

The New York Times - Arts

In the end, Terry McAuliffe, the Democrats' most prolific fund-raiser, had to step in to help raise money.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Un-aided or supportive scenarios Instructors/participants are asked to support role-players; step-in to help; or leave participants to their own decision-making.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "step in to help" when you want to emphasize the action of intervening to provide assistance, especially in a situation where help is needed urgently or unexpectedly.

Common error

While "step in to help" is a common and useful phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "intervene", "assist", or "support" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "step in to help" functions as a verb phrase indicating an intervention or act of providing assistance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s commonly used to describe someone taking action to support or aid in a particular situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "step in to help" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verb phrase indicating an intervention to provide assistance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability. It is particularly prevalent in news and media contexts, suggesting its use in describing interventions in various scenarios. While versatile, writers should vary their language to avoid overuse. Related phrases include "intervene to assist" and "offer assistance", providing alternative ways to express the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intervene to assist

Focuses on the act of intervening with the purpose of providing assistance.

offer assistance

Emphasizes the act of providing help or support.

lend a hand

An idiomatic expression suggesting providing help.

provide support

Highlights the act of giving assistance and aid.

come to the aid of

Focuses on assisting someone or something in distress.

jump in to support

Implies a quick and active involvement to provide help.

extend a helping hand

A more formal and emphatic way of offering assistance.

be of assistance

A polite and formal way of offering help.

supply aid

Focuses on giving assistance or resources to someone in need.

pitch in to assist

Implies collaborative effort to help.

FAQs

How can I use "step in to help" in a sentence?

You can use "step in to help" to describe someone intervening to offer assistance. For example, "When the project was falling behind, Sarah had to step in to help." Alternatively, you could say Sarah offered "assistance".

What are some alternatives to "step in to help"?

Alternatives include "intervene to assist", "offer assistance", or "lend a hand", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "step in for help" instead of "step in to help"?

While "step in for help" might be understood, "step in to help" is the more grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express the intention of providing assistance.

What's the difference between "step in to help" and "step up to help"?

"Step in to help" implies intervening in a situation, while "step up to help" suggests taking initiative and assuming responsibility. For example, "He stepped in to help resolve the conflict" versus "He stepped up to help lead the project".