help

helpverb

To help is to do something so that a person finds things easier or a situation becomes better.

1. do something fordo part of the work for someone, or give them what they need, so that something is easier for them

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object [V + obj] verb + object + bare infinitive [V + obj + inf] verb + object + to-infinitive [V + obj + to-inf] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj] verb + bare infinitive [V + inf]

   • Can you help me with my homework? V + obj + prep + obj
   • Kim helped me carry the boxes upstairs. V + obj + inf
   • He helped his father to repair the roof. V + obj + to-inf
   • I'd love to help, but I'm busy tonight.

   Collocations

   verb + noun help someone with something, help a friend, help people in need

   phrase offer to help, Can I help you?, How can I help?

   Synonyms assist; aid

   Antonyms hinder

2. make bettermake something better, easier, or more likely to succeed

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object [V + obj] verb + bare infinitive [V + inf] verb + object + bare infinitive [V + obj + inf]

   • Talking to a friend can really help.
   • The rain will help the young plants. V + obj
   • It would help if you spoke more slowly.
   • Regular exercise helps reduce stress. V + inf

   Collocations

   adverb + verb really help, greatly help

   phrase it would help if, it helps to

3. take foodtake something, especially food or drink, for yourself

   Always used with a reflexive pronoun (yourself, himself, themselves, and so on), often followed by to and the food or drink.

   transitive [T] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj]

   • Please help yourself to coffee. V + obj + prep + obj
   • "Can I have a cookie?" "Of course, help yourself!"
   • The guests helped themselves to the food on the table. V + obj + prep + obj

   Collocations

   phrase help yourself, help yourself to something

4. stop yourselfbe unable to stop yourself doing something, or unable to prevent something

   Used with a negative such as can't, couldn't, or cannot. She can't help it means she cannot control it. Can't help but with a base form means the same as can't help with an -ing form: I can't help but smile.

   transitive [T] verb + -ing form [V + -ing] verb + object [V + obj]

   • I couldn't help laughing when he fell into the pool. V + -ing
   • She can't help it if she's tired all the time. V + obj
   • Sorry, I just can't help worrying about you. V + -ing

   Collocations

   phrase can't help it, couldn't help laughing, can't help thinking

See also help out; help