unusually helpful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unusually helpful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that provides assistance in a way that is not typical or expected. Example: "The customer service representative was unusually helpful, going above and beyond to resolve my issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

One is an unusually helpful world economy.

The Economist

All this amid Pompeiian-style frescoes and an unusually helpful staff.

The New York Times - Travel

Scientists have determined that seeds left in bird excrement are unusually helpful in reforestation.

The Washington Post

"Probably what happened here was a case of a guy who was unusually helpful to investigators providing lots and lots of names of sexual contacts," said Worobey.

The Guardian

And he was unusually helpful, enjoying this mother-son bonding project almost as much as when I would take him fishing.

The Washington Post

Even the police seem unusually helpful, ushering demonstrators into position in Trafalgar Square, where a young woman energetically conducts her choir.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

She's had many interactions with La Cañada students over the past 18 months or so, and she said she's found the kids in our city to be unusually polite and helpful, more so than she's encountered elsewhere.

Los Angeles Times

I also discovered a well-maintained museum and charming little hotel with an excellent library, a fine restaurant and an unusually informed, cordial and helpful owner way off the beaten track in Santa María de Fe, a quiet town of 4,000 less than an hour's drive from San Ignacio.

The New York Times - Travel

Other colleagues said Judge Sotomayor frequently sent unusually detailed, closely reasoned and helpful memorandums critiquing their draft opinions.

The New York Times

And so the Pilgrims decided that they should pray to God for gravy, and they sent a letter inviting the good Rabbi Squanto, who was extremely helpful, and also unusually skilled at growing maize, for a rabbi, to lead them in their prayers.

The New Yorker

The happy ending — or, as happy as can be expected to a saga in which a man tries to have his wife killed — was made possible by three unusually principled hit men, a helpful pastor and one incredibly gutsy woman: Rukundo herself.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unusually helpful", consider the specific context to ensure the adverb 'unusually' accurately reflects a surprising or unexpected level of assistance. Overuse can dilute its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "unusually helpful" to describe ordinary assistance. The phrase implies a level of support significantly exceeding expectations, not just mere competence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unusually helpful" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to emphasize that someone or something is providing assistance to a degree that is notably above the norm. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this is a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Travel

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unusually helpful" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes assistance exceeding normal expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to express appreciation or highlight exceptional support. When using the phrase, ensure the context warrants the 'unusual' degree of helpfulness. Consider alternatives like "exceptionally supportive" or "remarkably accommodating" depending on the desired nuance. Its neutral register makes it widely applicable, though formal situations may call for stronger synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncommonly supportive

Mirrors the structure of the original phrase but replaces 'helpful' with 'supportive', shifting the emphasis to emotional or practical backing.

exceptionally supportive

Emphasizes the active and positive nature of the help provided, highlighting its bolstering effect.

remarkably accommodating

Focuses on the willingness to adjust and cater to specific needs, making the assistance particularly valuable.

particularly useful

Focuses specifically on the practicality and functionality of the assistance, noting its high utility.

impressively cooperative

Highlights the collaborative aspect of the assistance, emphasizing a proactive and willing partnership.

extraordinarily beneficial

Highlights the advantageous and positive outcome resulting from the assistance.

decidedly constructive

Stresses the positive and developmental impact of the assistance, highlighting its role in building or improving something.

singularly advantageous

Underscores the unique and highly favorable nature of the assistance, implying a distinctive benefit.

noticeably beneficial

Highlights that the help provided is easily recognized as positive and advantageous.

strikingly convenient

Emphasizes how easy and efficient the assistance makes something, pointing out the ease it brings.

FAQs

How can I use "unusually helpful" in a sentence?

Use "unusually helpful" to describe assistance that goes above and beyond what is typically expected. For example, 'The staff at the hotel were "unusually helpful" in accommodating our late arrival'.

What's a more formal alternative to "unusually helpful"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "exceptionally supportive" or "remarkably accommodating". These phrases convey a similar meaning with increased formality.

Is it redundant to say "very unusually helpful"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "very unusually helpful" can sound redundant. The adverb "unusually" already implies a high degree. Consider using just "unusually helpful" or choosing a stronger adjective altogether.

What is the difference between "unusually helpful" and "very helpful"?

"Very helpful" indicates a high degree of assistance, while "unusually helpful" suggests that the assistance was surprisingly or unexpectedly helpful. "Unusually helpful" implies a deviation from the norm.