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help · verb I or T /help/Full view
Nouns: help, helper, helplessness, helping
Adjectives: helpful, unhelpful, helpless
Verbs: help
Adverbs: helpfully, helplessly
help (DO PART OF WORK)
A1 to make it easier for someone to do something by doing part of the work yourself
Dictionary examples:

Thank you for helping.

Can I help you make dinner?

Dad always helps me with my homework.

Learner example:

But the people help me and it's okay. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Lithuanian)

help (PROVIDE WHAT IS NEEDED)
A2 to provide advice, money, support, etc. to make it possible or easier for someone to do something
Dictionary examples:

I wonder if you could help me - I'd like some information about flights to New Zealand.

My dad said he would help with the cost of buying a car.

I feel that learning English will help my chances of promotion at work.

Learner example:

I [hope] that my information helps you to plan your trip. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

can't/couldn't help doing sth
B1 to be unable to stop yourself from doing something or to stop something from happening
Dictionary examples:

I can't help laughing when I think about what happened to you both!

I couldn't help thinking about what had happened.

He couldn't help it, he slipped.

Learner example:

I got so sad that I couldn't help crying. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Japanese)

help yourself (to sth)
B1 to take something, especially food or drink, without asking
Dictionary example:

Please help yourself to some coffee.

Learner example:

Some tables with sandwiches, salads and drinks are going to be available [for you] to help yourselves. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

help (MAKE BETTER)
B2 to make something better
Dictionary examples:

When you're nervous or scared, it helps to breathe slowly and deeply.

The drugs didn't seem to help (the pain).

Learner example:

Everybody agree[s] with the importance [of] do[ing] exercise regular[l]y, it helps to take out the toxins from the body. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

help out (sb) or help (sb) out
B2 to help someone, especially by giving them money or working for them
Dictionary examples:

Sophia has been helping out in the store this week.

Her parents helped her out with the cost of college.

Learner example:

I helped out my friend by writing huge billboards and making some light refreshments. (First Certificate in English; B2; Turkish)

help · noun /help/
Nouns: help, helper, helplessness, helping
Adjectives: helpful, unhelpful, helpless
Verbs: help
Adverbs: helpfully, helplessly
help (WHEN SOMEONE HELPS)
A2 U when someone helps another person
Dictionary examples:

I was too embarrassed to ask for help.

Do you need any help with those boxes?

I could use some help with the cleaning.

Learner example:

If you need any help, I can bring food and drinks, but I can [only] come on Sundays. (Key English Test; A2; Romanian)

with the help of sth
B1 using something
Dictionary example:

She walks to the beach every day with the help of a cane.

Learner example:

The film was full of special effects created with the help of computer graphics, [and] it was very good. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

help (THING THAT HELPS)
B2 no plural something or someone that helps
Dictionary examples:

Having a new computer would be a help.

He was a great help (to me) while my husband was away.

Learner example:

Two weeks ago I made a trip to Britain, and 'The Student Tourist Guidebook' was a great help when I visited Lampton. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

help · exclamation /help/
Help!
A2 something that you shout when you are in danger
Dictionary example:

Help! I'm drowning!

Learner example:

She was really shocked and she screamed "Help!" (Preliminary English Test; B1; Swiss German)

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