Help vs. Aid Vs. Assists

synonyms

These three verbs are synonyms but there are subtle differences in their meaning and level of formality. Follow the lesson to find out about their difference.

'Help', 'aid', and 'assist' all describe actions of providing support to someone or making things easier or possible for them. However, 'aid' and 'assist' are more formal, while 'help' is more general and commonly used.

Help

'Help' is the most general of the three words, and it simply means to provide assistance or support to someone or something. It can be used in a wide range of contexts and situations, from offering someone a helping hand to completing a task to supporting a cause or organization.

Can you help me move this table?

I helped her prepare dinner.

Aid

'Aid' is more formal and is often used to refer to the act of making something easier for someone.

The extra examples were intended to aid the students to learn the new subject.

Here, 'aid' refer to the act of making the new subject easier for students.

The research was aided by contributions of several scholars.

Assist

'Assist' is also formal and means to make something easier for someone. It can refer to more specialized and specific acts of providing help or support.

The nurse assisted the patient with walking exercises.

I was assisted by a team of professional.

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