A1 verb Neutral #113 most common

help

/hɛlp/

To make it easier for someone to do something by offering your services, resources, or support. It can involve physical effort, providing information, or giving money to assist a person or a cause.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Can you help me carry these heavy bags to the car?

Can you help me carry these heavy bags to the car?

2

The organization seeks to help underprivileged children gain access to education.

The organization seeks to help underprivileged children gain access to education.

3

Hey, help me out with this game for a second!

Hey, help me out with this game for a second!

Word Family

Noun
help
Verb
help
Adverb
helpfully
Adjective
helpful
Related
helper
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'H' in Help as a tall ladder you are holding steady so that someone else can climb up safely.

Quick Quiz

Please _____ me finish this project before the deadline.

Correct!

The correct answer is: help

Examples

1

Can you help me carry these heavy bags to the car?

everyday

Can you help me carry these heavy bags to the car?

2

The organization seeks to help underprivileged children gain access to education.

formal

The organization seeks to help underprivileged children gain access to education.

3

Hey, help me out with this game for a second!

informal

Hey, help me out with this game for a second!

4

New data will help scientists determine the long-term effects of the treatment.

academic

New data will help scientists determine the long-term effects of the treatment.

5

Our customer service team is available to help you with your order.

business

Our customer service team is available to help you with your order.

Word Family

Noun
help
Verb
help
Adverb
helpfully
Adjective
helpful
Related
helper

Common Collocations

help someone with something help someone with something
ask for help ask for help
offer to help offer to help
help each other help each other
help out help out

Common Phrases

can't help it

to be unable to stop or control something

help yourself

to serve yourself food or take something freely

every little helps

even a small amount of help is useful

Often Confused With

help vs assist

Help is the common, everyday word; assist is more formal and often implies a secondary role.

📝

Usage Notes

Help can be followed by an object and a verb either with or without 'to' (e.g., 'help me do' or 'help me to do'). Both are grammatically correct, though 'help me do' is more common in modern conversation.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'help to' followed by a noun, but you should use 'help with' before a noun (e.g., 'help me with my homework' not 'help me to my homework').

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'H' in Help as a tall ladder you are holding steady so that someone else can climb up safely.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English word 'helpan', which is of West Germanic origin.

Grammar Patterns

help + object + (to) infinitive help + with + noun help + (object) + gerund (in the phrase 'can't help')
🌍

Cultural Context

In many English-speaking cultures, it is considered polite to offer help if someone looks like they are struggling, but people also value being asked before intervening.

Quick Quiz

Please _____ me finish this project before the deadline.

Correct!

The correct answer is: help

Related Words

adhesive

B2

Describes a substance or surface that has the quality of sticking fast to another object or surface. It is commonly used to describe materials like tape, glue, or bandages that are designed to create a bond between two items.

badly

A1

In a way that is not good, effective, or successful. It can also be used to mean 'very much' when you want or need something a lot.

lineup

A1

A lineup is a group of people or things organized in a specific order for an event or purpose. It is often used to describe players on a sports team, performers at a concert, or a list of products.

thoughtful

A1

Thoughtful describes someone who is kind and thinks about the needs or feelings of others. It can also describe a person who is thinking deeply or carefully about a specific subject.

skull

A1

The skull is the hard, bony structure that forms the head in humans and animals. Its main purpose is to protect the brain and support the shape of the face.

recipient

A1

A recipient is a person or group that receives something, such as a letter, a gift, or an award. It is a formal way to describe the person on the receiving end of an action or object.

shy

A1

Shy describes a person who feels nervous, uncomfortable, or timid around other people. It often involves a lack of confidence in social situations or a hesitation to speak and interact with strangers.

shorts

A1

Shorts are a type of clothing worn on the lower part of the body that covers the hips and the tops of the legs. They are typically worn in warm weather or during physical activities like sports and exercise.

meadow

A1

A meadow is a field covered with grass and often wildflowers. It is a natural area where grass is allowed to grow freely, often used for animals to graze or for people to enjoy nature.

disrupt

A1

To stop something from happening in the normal way or to cause a problem that interrupts a process. It is often used when an event or a system is forced to change its usual flow.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free