Assist
What it means
To help a person or effort complete a task or meet a need.
Reach for it when describing useful support without claiming ownership of the result
Two volunteers assist older residents with the online form.
Words to choose between 7
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional |
|
| formal |
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everyday
Fits when one useful part is added to a larger effort
Careful Contribution can be indirect and need not assist a particular person.
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everyday
Fits when direct plain language fits any kind of support
Careful Help is broad and may not show a defined secondary role.
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warm
Fits when ongoing backing matters more than one action
Careful Support may be emotional or financial without hands-on assistance.
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professional
cooperate
Fits when people work together toward the same end
Careful Cooperation is mutual and does not identify who is helping whom.
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professional
Fits when removing obstacles enables other people to act
Careful Facilitation does not necessarily involve doing part of the task.
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formal
Fits when support responds to hardship or urgent need
Careful Aid can sound institutional when the task is ordinary.
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formal
Fits when work is performed for another person's benefit
Careful Service can imply a role or hierarchy that assist avoids.
Opposites 3
- hinder
- obstruct
- abandon
Common phrases 3
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assist with
A technician will assist with the equipment setup.
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assist someone
The usher can assist anyone who needs step-free seating.
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assist in the process
Clear diagrams assist in the process of reassembling the pump.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated