to obtain help

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to obtain help" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of seeking assistance or support in various contexts. Example: "If you are struggling with the assignment, don't hesitate to reach out to your teacher to obtain help."

✓ Grammatically correct

General Usage

Formal Writing

Professional Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

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

Britannica

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

The New York Times

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

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

Michael Kern, of Riverside, Calif., said he tried unsuccessfully to obtain help for stress last year in Baghdad, but was ridiculed by an officer in front of his tanker unit.

The New York Times

Families appear to find it easier to obtain help accessing housing, health, benefits and other support to which they are entitled, while relationships and children's emotional wellbeing also improve.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Right-wing Christian Democrats, the Vatican and conservative Roman Catholics were opposed to the legislation, but Mr. Leone, convinced that his party and his church could live with a compromise law that recognized divorce but made it difficult to obtain, helped to produce an amendment that broke a deadlock in the Senate and permitted the passage of the bill.

The New York Times

All these obstacles to obtaining help, she says, are more prevalent among black women.

Vice

Some may still be able to obtain extra help.

The New York Times

The are testimonies from thousands of uninsured people relating horror stories of experiences in trying to obtain medical help.

The Guardian

To obtain that help, customers must buy insurance through the Obamacare exchanges, rather than directly from insurance companies.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to obtain help", consider the level of formality required for your context. It is suitable for formal writing but may sound stilted in casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "to obtain help" in extremely informal settings. Opt for simpler phrases like "to get help" or "to find assistance" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to obtain help" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase indicating the purpose of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct phrase. Examples show its use in diverse contexts, from seeking support to restructure operations to accessing housing benefits.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to obtain help" functions as an infinitive phrase indicating purpose, is generally considered grammatically correct by Ludwig AI, and is used across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific literature, and encyclopedias. While suitable for professional and formal writing, it may sound slightly formal in casual conversations. Alternatives such as "to seek assistance" or "to get support" may be more appropriate depending on the context. When employing this phrase, considering the level of formality and potential for overuse is crucial to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to obtain assistance

A more formal alternative to the main query.

to seek assistance

Focuses on the act of actively looking for help, emphasizing the effort made.

to get support

Highlights the act of receiving aid or encouragement, suggesting a broader form of help.

to find assistance

Emphasizes the discovery or location of available help.

to gain support

Focuses on the outcome of acquiring help, highlighting the benefit received.

to acquire aid

Suggests a formal or official process of receiving help.

to secure support

Implies a proactive effort to ensure that help is available when needed.

to receive aid

Emphasizes the act of being given help, rather than seeking it.

to procure assistance

Suggests a more complex or strategic process of getting help.

to solicit aid

Focuses on asking for or requesting help, often from a specific source.

FAQs

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

You can use "to obtain help" to describe the purpose of an action, such as "He went to the library "to obtain help" with his research."

What are some alternatives to "to obtain help"?

Alternatives include "to seek assistance", "to get support", and "to find assistance", each with slightly different connotations.

Is "to obtain help" formal or informal?

"To obtain help" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, phrases like "to get help" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "to obtain help" and "to receive help"?

"To obtain help" implies an active effort to seek assistance, while "to receive help" suggests that assistance is being given without necessarily being sought.