"Help" is a familiar word in English, commonly used as both a verb and a noun. But does "help" go with to V or V-ing? What prepositions can be used with "help"? In this guide, IDP will walk you through everything you need to know about using the "help" structure in English.
1. What Does "Help" Mean?
"Help" simply means to assist or to support. It can function as both a verb and an uncountable noun in a sentence.
As a Verb
"Help" as a verb means assisting someone in completing a task.
Examples:
What can I do to help you?
Acquiring English skills could significantly help in enhancing your career prospects.
As a Noun
"Help" as a noun means assistance or support in a specific situation. It is uncountable.
Examples:
Would you like some help organizing the event?
Thanks to the financial help from local charities, many students could continue their education.
2. Common Help Structures and How to Use Them
"Help" appears in many grammar structures, offering flexible ways to express support.
Help Somebody (to) V – Assisting Someone to Do Something
Structure: Subject + help + somebody + V / to V
Help + V: The helper supports indirectly.
Help + to V: The helper participates actively in the task.
Examples:
The teacher helped the students to prepare for the presentation.
The tutor helped me organize my notes effectively.
Help Somebody With Something
Used to describe helping someone complete a specific task.
Structure: Subject + help + somebody + with + something
Example:
My colleague helped me with proofreading the report.
Help Oneself to Something – Serve Yourself
Used when someone takes something for themselves.
Structure: Subject + help + oneself + to + something
Example:
Feel free to help yourself to some refreshments on the table.
Can’t/Couldn’t Help + Ving – Unable to Resist
Used to describe actions or feelings that cannot be controlled.
Structure: Subject + can’t/couldn’t help + V-ing
Example:
I can’t help feeling anxious about tomorrow’s IELTS exam.
Help in the Passive Voice
Active: Subject + help + somebody + V/to V Passive: Subject + be + helped + to V / helped with V-ing
Examples:
The team was helped to resolve the issue by the manager.
The team was helped with resolving the issue by the manager.
3. What Prepositions Go With "Help"?
When combined with different prepositions, "help" can convey different meanings.
Help + off/on
Used when assisting someone with putting on or taking off clothing or accessories.
Example:
She helped her little brother on with his uniform.
Help + out
Means to assist someone in a difficult situation.
Example:
I deeply appreciate how she helped me out during my financial crisis.
When "Help" Is a Noun
Help with something: Assistance in handling a specific task
My professor provided significant help with the research methodology.
Help on something: Support in a broader area
Our team received expert help on project management.
Help in something: Contribution to achieving a goal
His financial help in starting the business was crucial.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms of "Help"
Synonyms of "Help"
Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
Assist | To support someone |
Give assistance to | Provide help |
Aid | Help in emergencies |
Lend a hand | Actively participate |
Cooperate with | Work together toward a goal |
Collaborate with | Team up on tasks |
Contribute to | Add value to something |
Serve | Support others |
Support | Provide moral or financial help |
Back | Endorse or support an idea |
Champion | Fight for a cause |
Advance | Promote development |
Uphold | Maintain a value or principle |
Further | Promote progress |
Promote | Encourage or support growth |
Side with | Support someone’s side |
Endorse | Publicly approve |
Encourage | Motivate someone |
Advocate | Support an idea or policy |
Take the part of | Defend someone |
Stand by | Remain supportive |
Give moral support to | Provide emotional encouragement |
Maintain | Keep something in good condition |
Intercede for | Mediate on someone’s behalf |
Antonyms of "Help"
Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
Hinder | Create obstacles |
Impede | Slow progress |
Obstruct | Block something |
Hold back | Restrain progress |
Block | Prevent progress |
Bar | Restrict access |
Frustrate | Cause failure |
Thwart | Prevent success |
Foil | Ruin plans |
Balk | Hesitate due to obstacles |
Oppose | Disagree or resist |
Fight | Resist actively |
Side against | Take the opposing side |
Discourage | Lower motivation |
Put down | Demean or belittle |
5. Idioms with "Help"
Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
Give a helping hand | Offer support |
God help us | Request for divine help |
Can’t help but | Unable to stop oneself |
So help me | A promise or vow |
Beyond help | Cannot be helped |
Help yourself | Serve yourself |
Help out | Assist with a task |
Cry for help | Desperate request for aid |
Help me out here | Ask for assistance |
Little help | Informal request for aid |
No help for it | No alternative available |
Help along the way | Support during a journey |
6. Notes When Using "Help"
If the object of "help" is the same as the object of the verb that follows, you can omit both the object and "to."
Example:
Regular exercise helps maintain mental well-being.
When the object is general or implied (like people in general), omitting the object and "to" is acceptable.
7. Practice Exercises with "Help" (With Answers)
Complete the sentences using the correct form of "help":
It's generous of you to offer to _______ me with the presentation.
I gain great satisfaction from _______ others in their development.
I can't _______ thinking about what I could have done differently.
I can't _______ me _______ indulging in desserts.
Don’t _______ yourself _______ confidential information.
He's always willing to _______ me _______ in tough times.
We argue daily. We just can't _______ along.
Do you need me to _______ you off _______ your coat?
I find it hard to _______ myself for not helping sooner.
I’m grateful you _______ me _______ through the process.
Answers:
assist
supporting
stop
stop me from indulging
help yourself to
lend me a hand
get
help you off with
forgive
helped me through
Master the Structure of "Help" in IELTS with IDP
Mastering the "help" structure will not only improve your grammar skills but also boost your confidence in the IELTS test. These structures allow you to express ideas accurately and naturally, leaving a strong impression on examiners.
With IDP, you will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to use "help" effectively in any IELTS context. Practice regularly and apply these concepts to real-life test scenarios.
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