Do you know the difference between ‘helpful to’ and ‘helpful for’? If not, don’t worry – you’re not alone!
In this article, we’ll explain the difference and provide helpful examples so that you can confidently use them in your everyday language.
We’ll also discuss common mistakes people make when using these terms and offer tips on how to remember their differences.
So let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- ‘Helpful to’ implies assistance or support in an activity, while ‘helpful for’ suggests benefit in achieving a desired outcome.
- ‘Helpful to’ indicates an action done for the benefit of someone else, while ‘helpful for’ indicates an action done for your own benefit.
- Use ‘helpful for’ when referring to a person or something that benefits from the help, and use ‘helpful to’ if something assists in achieving an objective.
- Practice and consistency will help in grasping the concepts of ‘helpful to’ and ‘helpful for’ with ease.
What Does ‘Helpful To’ Vs. ‘Helpful For’ Mean
Understanding the difference between ‘helpful to’ and ‘helpful for’ can be helpful for you!
‘Helpful to’ implies that something is providing assistance or support in an activity, while ‘helpful for’ suggests that something is beneficial in achieving a desired outcome.
For example, studying with a partner may be helpful to help each other understand tricky concepts; however, taking notes during class could be helpful for preparing for exams.
As another example, eating healthy foods may be helpful to get adequate nutrition; however, exercising regularly could be helpful for maintaining a healthy weight.
In both of these examples, one action provides aid and the other helps reach a goal.
Examples of ‘Helpful To’ Vs. ‘Helpful for’
Comparing ‘helpful to’ and ‘helpful for’ can be confusing, so let’s look at some examples:
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Being able to speak Spanish fluently is helpful to someone looking for a job in Mexico.
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Having an engineering degree can be helpful for getting into a prestigious graduate program.
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Knowing how to cook a variety of meals is helpful to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
These examples demonstrate the difference between ‘helpful to’ and ‘helpful for’: when something is helpful TO you, it allows you access or entry into something, whereas being helpful FOR something means having qualities that make you suitable or qualified for it.
Common Mistakes When Using ‘Helpful To’ Vs. ‘Helpful for’
One common mistake people make when using ‘helpful to’ and ‘helpful for’ is confusing which one to use in a given context.
To avoid this, remember that ‘helpful to’ indicates an action done for the benefit of someone else, while ‘helpful for’ indicates an action done for your own benefit.
For example, you might say, ‘It was helpful to my friend to hear me out,’ meaning that listening helped your friend. On the other hand, you could say, ‘The class was helpful for me,’ meaning that it benefited you in some way. In both cases, the words are used correctly.
As long as you remember this distinction between ‘helpful to’ and ‘helpful for’, you should be able to choose the right word every time.
When to Use ‘Helpful To’ Vs. ‘Helpful for’
Knowing when to use ‘helpful to’ vs. ‘helpful for’ can be tricky, so it’s important to remember the difference. Here are 3 tips:
1) When you’re referring to a person or something that benefits from the help, use ‘helpful for’. For example, ‘This app is helpful for students looking for extra study aids.’
2) If something assists in achieving an objective, use ‘helpful to’. For instance, ‘The teacher’s guidance was helpful to me in understanding the material.’
3) Always double-check your sentence structure and grammar before submitting work. Doing this will make sure you’re using the correct words and phrases.
With practice and consistency, you’ll soon be able grasp these concepts with ease!
Tips for Remembering ‘Helpful To’ Vs. ‘Helpful for’
Remembering when to use ‘helpful to’ vs. ‘helpful for’ can be tricky, so it’s important to keep a few tips in mind.
First, remember that ‘helpful to’ is used when referring to a direct recipient of the help. For example, saying ‘this tool is helpful to teachers’ means that the tool directly benefits teachers.
On the other hand, ‘helpful for’ is used when referring to an indirect beneficiary of the help. For example, saying ‘this tool is helpful for students’ means that although students don’t directly benefit from the tool, they will indirectly benefit since it helps their teacher.
Additionally, if you’re having difficulty remembering which phrase to use then try substituting with words like ‘beneficial.’ This should help you determine whether you need ‘helpful to’ or ‘helpful for.’
Conclusion
Overall, understanding the difference between ‘helpful to’ and ‘helpful for’ is essential in order to communicate effectively. Remember that ‘helpful to’ implies aid or assistance, while ‘helpful for’ suggests a benefit or advantage.
Keep these distinctions in mind when using either phrase and you won’t make any mistakes!