English Dictionary
Definition help in British English
help
verb
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.
These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
verb
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
The verb help is not used with the -ing form of another verb. It is used with the infinitive (with or without ‘to’) in any of these patterns:
▪ help do something
▪ help to do something
▪ help someone do something
▪ help someone to do something
✗ Foreign tourists can help revitalizing our economy.
✓ Foreign tourists can help revitalize our economy.
✓ Foreign tourists can help to revitalize our economy.
✗ Banning smoking in restaurants may help people avoiding the risk of illness.
✓ Banning smoking in restaurants may help people avoid the risk of illness.
✓ Banning smoking in restaurants may help people to avoid the risk of illness.
The -ing form is only used with help in the fixed expression can’t help doing something:
I can’t help thinking that they should have informed the police.
to give someone support or information so that they can do something more easily
Mary was anxious to help.
Can you help me find my glasses?
I'll help you to the door.
Can I help you off with your coat (=help you to take it off)?
to give someone something, especially food or drink
Can I help you to more vegetables?
Organic farming methods help the environment.
