Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Help someone do something or help someone to do something?

Using the help verb in the right way always makes new learners feel embarrassed. Can we use "help someone to do something" or "help someone do something" or even "help someone doing something"? We are going to discuss about them.

Help someone do / to do something

Help someone do something


This form is correct in English grammar. This is the most common form in everyday speech especially in American English.

Examples:
He helps me do my homework.
She helps me clean the floor.
I'll help you solve the math problem.

Help someone to do something


This "to do" form is also grammatically correct. It is less common in speech than the "without to" form. However both forms are common in formal writing.

Examples:
He helps me to do my homework.
I'll help you to solve the math problem.
He helps me to move the table.

Help someone doing something (wrong)


This form is wrong. We don't use it.

Conclusion


"Help someone do something" and "help someone to do something" are both correct in English grammar. You can use them with no difference.

Some people say there is a little difference when using these two forms semantically. When you say you help someone do something, it means you do that something with that person or you do it for him. When you say you help someone to do something, it means you simply tell that person how to do it. You don't do it with him or you don't do it for him. You just give him some instructions and he has to do it himself. However most people say there is not any difference between the two forms.

Note: An important thing that you have to remember is we can't use "help someone doing something". This form is totally wrong.

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