we can help that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we can help that" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be an attempt to express the ability to assist with a particular issue, but it is missing a preposition. Example: "If you have any questions about the project, we can help with that."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

We can help that person.

The New Yorker

"It's about how we can help that person fully.

The Guardian

We can help that family, and we've got to keep that in our forefront," Jenni said.

The New Yorker

"So anytime we can help, that's what I try to get [my teammates] to focus on".

The Guardian - Sport

So if an animal is really suffering we can help that animal by alleviating its suffering.

Vice

"But it was a discussion about supporting reform and change in the region and specifically Syria -- and how we can help that and work with people in the region and Syria to support that process". The U.S. outreach is a direct result of President Bush's discussion last month with French President Jacques Chirac, said U.S and European officials.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

We think veterans can help that happen by continuing their service.

Huffington Post

America can help that happen.

The New York Times

"I'm hoping that we can help with that improvement.

Johns Hopkins University

And I think that we can help power that.

TechCrunch

Mark Zuckerberg: And I think that we can help power that.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering assistance, specify the area or task you can help with. For example, "We can help with the planning" is clearer than just saying "We can help that".

Common error

Avoid omitting the necessary preposition, such as with, in, or on, when using "help" to offer assistance. Saying "We can help that" is grammatically incorrect; instead, specify what you're helping with, such as "We can help with that task".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we can help that" functions as an expression of offering assistance or support. Ludwig AI indicates the importance of the preposition in order to form a grammatically correct sentence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

16%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we can help that" is used to offer assistance or support, it is grammatically incomplete and needs a preposition like "with". Ludwig AI highlights this issue, emphasizing the importance of correct grammar. While the phrase appears in various sources like News & Media, Academia, etc., its use should be limited to informal contexts. For formal writing, consider using alternatives like "we can assist with that" or "we can support that" for clarity and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we can assist with that

Replaces "help" with a more formal synonym, "assist", maintaining the overall meaning but slightly elevating the tone.

we can provide assistance with that

Adds the noun "assistance" making the sentence more descriptive and formal.

we can support that

Substitutes "help" with "support", focusing on providing backing or resources.

we are able to help with that

Adds "are able" to emphasize the capability or capacity to offer assistance.

we can contribute to that

Shifts the focus to making a contribution or adding value to a particular effort or cause.

we can aid in that

Uses "aid" as a synonym for "help", implying a more active or direct form of assistance.

we can be of assistance with that

Offers a more formal and indirect way of offering help, emphasizing availability.

we can facilitate that

Focuses on making a process or outcome easier or more likely to happen.

we can lend a hand with that

Uses an idiomatic expression to offer help in a more informal and collaborative way.

we are here to help with that

Emphasizes the willingness and availability to provide assistance.

FAQs

What's grammatically wrong with "we can help that"?

The phrase is missing a preposition. It should be "we can help with that", "we can help in that", or a similar construction. Without the preposition, it's grammatically incorrect.

How can I use "we can help" correctly in a sentence?

Always specify what you're offering help with. For example, "We can help with the project", or "We can help in this area" are correct. You can also use a pronoun like "that" followed by a preposition: "We can help with "that"".

What are some alternatives to "we can help that"?

Consider alternatives like "we can assist with "that"", "we can provide support for "that"", or "we are able to help with "that"". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "we can help that" ever acceptable?

While you might encounter the phrase in informal conversation, it's generally not considered standard written English. For professional or academic writing, it's best to use a grammatically correct alternative.