Help me learn or Help me to learn? Which is correct?

Marcus Froland

Grammar often feels like a tightrope walk, especially when dealing with the English language. You want to say things right, but sometimes, even the smallest phrases can throw you off balance. “Help me learn” and “help me to learn” are two such phrases that seem to do a little dance around each other. They’re so close yet hold their ground in different contexts.

In everyday conversations, we might not think twice before using either. But for those learning English or trying to polish their skills, choosing the right phrase matters. It’s not just about correctness; it’s about sounding natural, confident, and clear in your communication. So, let’s break this down in a way that’s easy to grasp and even easier to remember.

Both “Help me learn” and “Help me to learn” are correct in English. The main difference lies in the formality and flow of speech. “Help me learn” is more direct and commonly used in everyday conversation. It’s straightforward and gets the point across without extra words. On the other hand, “Help me to learn” sounds a bit more formal. It’s often seen in written language or when someone wants to emphasize the learning process. So, depending on the situation and how formal you want to sound, you can use either phrase. But remember, both are grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Understanding the Verb “Help” in American English

The verb help is a versatile and commonly used word in American English that can mean assisting or aiding someone, making a situation more pleasant, or even taking something without permission. This versatile verb can be conjugated into several different forms and can be followed by various infinitive forms, which we’ll discuss later in this section.

Tense Conjugation
Present help, helps
Past helped
Past Participle helped
Progressive helping

In addition to its primary meaning of providing assistance, the verb “help” can convey other meanings, such as:

  • Making a situation nicer: Her kind words helped to improve the mood in the room.
  • Avoiding or preventing something: Her strict diet helps her to maintain her healthy weight.
  • Serving food or drink: Would you like me to help you to some coffee?
  • Taking something without permission: He couldn’t resist helping himself to an extra slice of cake.

It’s important to distinguish between these various meanings when using “help” in different contexts, as the meaning can depend on the words that follow the verb or the prepositions that are used with it.

Conjugation is an essential aspect of verb help usage, as it allows you to express the appropriate tense for your situation, whether it’s in the present, past, or future. As you build your American English vocabulary, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the various forms and meanings of popular assistance verbs like “help” to become more versatile and fluent in your conversations.

“Help” is a versatile verb that can convey a broad range of meanings, from providing assistance to making a situation more pleasant.

In summary, understanding the different conjugations and meanings of the verb “help” is crucial for mastering American English and ensuring effective communication. As we continue through this article, we’ll explore more about the usage of the infinitive with “help” and other intricacies of this essential verb.

Infinitive Forms with “Help”: To Use “To” or Not?

When using the verb “help,” you might be wondering whether to follow it with the infinitive form of another verb, with or without “to.” In this section, we will explore the different grammar infinitive usage in English, including the to-infinitive and the bare infinitive, and their impact on the meaning and formality of a sentence.

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The two English verb forms that can be used after the verb “help” are the to-infinitive and the bare infinitive. Both verb forms are acceptable, with the choice between them often reflecting the level of formality in a sentence. The more formal option is the to-infinitive, while the bare infinitive is typically considered more casual.

Example: “She helped (to) clean the kitchen.”

Both “She helped clean the kitchen” and “She helped to clean the kitchen” are correct and convey the same meaning.

There are some cases where “to” is typically omitted. One such case involves connected infinitives with coordinating conjunctions. For example, it is normal to omit “to” in the second clause when using the conjunction “and” between two infinitive verbs.

Example: “She asked Jack to look for her phone and find her purse.” (omitting “to” before “find”)

To provide more context, we have elaborated a comparison between to-infinitives and bare infinitives in the table below:

To-Infinitive Bare Infinitive
More formal More casual
Preceded by “to” No “to” required
Example: “He helped to fix the computer.” Example: “He helped fix the computer.”

In summary, when using the verb “help” followed by an infinitive verb, both the to-infinitive and bare infinitive are correct, with the choice between them generally reflecting the level of formality in the sentence. While the to-infinitive form is more formal, the bare infinitive is considered more casual and is often used in everyday conversation.

Everyday Language: Informal vs. Formal Usage

In daily English language communication, you may encounter various levels of formality. Informal speaking is preferred in casual conversations, while formal language is reserved for professional or official settings. Knowing when and how to use informal or formal language, especially when requesting assistance, is essential for mastering English language etiquette and speech patterns.

Examples of Informal and Formal Requests for Assistance

Consider these examples to help you better understand the nuances between informal and formal querying:

  • Informal: “Could you help me look for my car keys?”
  • Formal: “Could you help me to look for my car keys?”
  • Informal: “Would you like to help cook dinner tonight?”
  • Formal: “Would you like to help to cook dinner tonight?”

Impact of Omitting “To” in Daily Conversations

Omitting “to” in everyday discussions is commonly observed in conversational American English, as it conveys a more informal, relaxed style. The omission of “to” when using the verb “help” with infinitives is ubiquitous in informal situations. However, it’s essential to know your audience and the context of the conversation to avoid any misunderstandings.

“Language is the dress of thought.” – Samuel Johnson

Mastering the art of shifting between informal and formal language when interacting with various individuals is an integral aspect of efficient communication. Recognizing the appropriate conversation style depending on the context helps establish rapport and project a higher level of confidence and control.

Informal Language Formal Language
Used in casual situations Used in professional or official settings
Short, simple sentences Longer, more complex sentences
Informal vocabulary and contractions Technical terms and formal expressions
May omit “to” with “help” and infinitives Usually include “to” with “help” and infinitives
“Could you help me look for my car keys?” “Could you help me to look for my car keys?”
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Mastering the balance between informal and formal language, particularly when requesting assistance, is a necessary skill for anyone looking to improve their English language etiquette and effective communication capabilities.

Exceptions in English Grammar: When “To” Can’t Be Dropped

While it is frequently optional to use the to-infinitive form after certain verbs, there are particular English grammar exceptions where the to-infinitive is obligatory, or when a bare infinitive is solely required. Understanding these exceptions will help you accurately apply the rules and navigate the complexities of the English language.

One of the main instances where the bare infinitive is mandatory is with modal auxiliary verbs. Modal auxiliaries like “will,” “shall,” “can,” “could,” “must,” and “should” always take the bare infinitive form without “to.” For example:

  1. She can speak Spanish.
  2. We will arrive at the party on time.
  3. They must follow the rules.

Additionally, verbs like “make” and “let” also require the bare infinitive. For instance:

He made me do the work.

She let him go.

A few other constructions, such as “had better” and “would rather,” follow the same rule:

  1. I had better finish this project tonight.
  2. She would rather dance than sing.

By becoming familiar with these grammar exceptions, you can better grasp when the to-infinitive form is obligatory or when it is better to use the bare infinitive according to the context.

The Role of Modality in “Help Me (to) Learn”

In English, modality creates subtle differences in meaning, especially when it comes to expressions involving permission or ability. This section focuses on how modal verbs influence the usage of “to” after “help” and the nuances of permission and ability in learning.

How Modal Verbs Affect the Use of “To” After “Help”

Modal verbs such as “can,” “could,” and “will” can be followed by “help” without using “to.” In this context, the absence of “to” reflects necessity or ability. Take a look at some examples:

  • She can help me learn Spanish.
  • They will help us move to the new house.
  • I could help you with your math homework.

Notice that in each of these examples, the modal verb is immediately followed by “help,” which, in turn, is followed by the bare infinitive without “to.” This pattern reinforces the role of modality in using “to” with different verbs.

The Nuances of Permission and Ability in Learning

Expressions involving permission or ability often utilize modal verbs, which affect the use of infinitive forms, with or without “to.” Consider these examples:

  • May I help you with your presentation?
  • He should help his sister with her chores.
  • You might help her improve her English skills.

In the examples above, modal verbs introduce the notion of permission or ability. In each case, the verb “help” is followed by the bare infinitive of the main verb, without “to.”

In summary, the influence of modal verbs on the use of “to” after “help” is clear, reflecting the nuances of ability and permission in a learning environment. Understanding these subtleties in English enables learners to communicate effectively and make distinctions between necessity, permission, and various levels of ability in different contexts.

Expressions and Idioms Involving the Verb “Help”

English is full of colorful expressions and idioms involving the word “help,” making it a highly versatile verb in the language. These idioms provide fascinating insights into the nuances of the English language and can make your conversations more interesting and engaging. In this section, we’ll explore a few popular idioms and expressions involving the verb “help” for a deeper understanding of their meanings and usage.

“Can’t help but” do something

The idiom “can’t help but” is used to convey a sense of inevitability or irresistibility, suggesting that you’re compelled to do something despite your efforts to avoid it. For example, “I can’t help but laugh whenever I see that hilarious scene in the movie.” In this context, “help” suggests the inability to control oneself.

“So help me God”

The phrase “so help me God” is an oath or a solemn declaration, often used to emphasize the seriousness of one’s intentions or promises. People might say this phrase when they are determined to accomplish something difficult or challenging. For example, “I will finish this project on time, so help me God.” The use of “help” in this phrase implies a request for divine assistance.

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When “help” is combined with a reflexive pronoun like “myself,” “yourself,” or “themselves,” it can have a different meaning altogether. “Help oneself to” can indicate taking something without permission or simply serving oneself food or drink. For instance, “She helped herself to a slice of cake,” suggests that the person took a serving of cake.

Now let’s look at a comparison of the above expressions in terms of their meanings and usage:

Idiom Meaning Example
“Can’t help but” Inevitability; irresistible action “I can’t help but smile when I see a cute puppy.”
“So help me God” Solemn declaration or oath “I will reach my goal, so help me God.”
“Help oneself to” Taking something without permission or serving oneself “John helped himself to the buffet.”

The verb “help” forms the basis of many idiomatic expressions and phrases in the English language, showcasing its versatility and ability to convey various meanings. By understanding these expressions and their nuances, you can enrich your understanding of the language and communicate more effectively in different contexts.

Practical Advice: How to Ask for Help Effectively

Asking for help can be daunting, but it is essential when you find yourself struggling. One way to improve your experience in seeking assistance is to utilize the versatile verb “help” correctly. This way, you can adapt your approach depending on the situation’s formality and ensure effective communication.

To make your request, you can use various phrases such as “Can you help me, please?”, “I need some assistance”, “Could you give me a hand?”, “Could you hold that?”, and “I need your support.” By adjusting formality and context, you can improve your chances of receiving the guidance you desire. For example, you might use an informal tone when asking for help from a friend, while adopting a more formal approach in a professional setting.

Remember that the choice between using “to” or not in the infinitive form after “help” affects the tone. Dropping “to” can make your request sound more informal and friendly, which is common in conversational American English. However, keep in mind that certain grammar constructions and modal verbs require the use of a specific infinitive form, with or without “to.” By understanding these nuances, you can effectively communicate your needs and ensure you are asking for help efficiently and respectfully.

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