to seek help

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to seek help" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the action of looking for assistance or support in various contexts, such as personal, academic, or professional situations. Example: "When faced with challenges, it's important to seek help from those who can provide guidance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She urges him to seek help.

The New York Times

Eadie knew he needed to seek help.

Independent

I'm going to seek help, for sure.

Independent

A willingness to seek help, for example.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then they will need to seek help".

The New York Times

Then he decided to seek help.

The Guardian

So they decided to seek help.

The New York Times

A lot of them are smart enough to seek help.

The New York Times - Sports

Too humiliated to seek help, many fell deeper into trouble.

The New York Times

A brother-in-law convinced him to seek help.

The New York Times - Sports

But he did have the wherewithal to seek help.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to seek help", consider the specific type of assistance needed and tailor your request accordingly. Be clear about what you're looking for to ensure you receive the most effective support.

Common error

Don't wait until a situation becomes critical before deciding "to seek help". Addressing problems early often leads to better outcomes and prevents escalation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to seek help" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as a verb complement or expressing purpose. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability, as demonstrated in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

34%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to seek help" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as an infinitive phrase and serves the purpose of expressing the action of requesting or obtaining assistance. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, formal business, and general discussions, indicating a neutral register. While sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Huffington Post frequently employ the phrase, it’s essential to be clear and proactive when using it. Delaying the decision "to seek help" can lead to complications, so addressing issues early is advisable. Alternatives such as "to ask for assistance" or "to request support" may be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to seek aid

Uses 'aid' as a synonym for help, implying assistance in a more formal or urgent context.

to seek assistance

Uses a more formal term for help, suitable for professional contexts.

to seek support

Emphasizes the emotional or moral aspect of assistance.

to solicit help

Focuses on actively requesting assistance from others.

to secure help

Emphasizes the successful acquisition of assistance.

to enlist help

Suggests formally engaging someone to provide assistance.

to gather help

Implies collecting assistance from multiple sources.

to pursue help

Highlights the effort and persistence in obtaining assistance.

to identify help

Focuses on recognizing and locating potential sources of assistance.

to fetch help

Suggests going to get help, implying a physical action.

FAQs

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

You can use "to seek help" in sentences like, "It is important "to seek help" when you're feeling overwhelmed" or "Many resources are available for those who "to seek help" with their mental health."

What are some alternatives to "to seek help"?

Alternatives include "to ask for assistance", "to request support", or "to solicit help", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "seek help" or "ask for help"?

Both "seek help" and "ask for help" are correct. "Seek help" implies a more proactive approach in finding assistance, while "ask for help" is a direct request. The best choice depends on the specific situation.

When is it necessary "to seek help"?

It's necessary "to seek help" when you're facing challenges that you can't manage on your own, whether it's related to your mental health, physical health, or personal circumstances.