1 B2 neutral
To assist a process or situation to develop or progress more smoothly or quickly.
"A warm climate and regular rainfall helped the harvest along this year."
separable
help along
B2 neutral separable transitive
To assist the progress of something or someone; to encourage or facilitate development.
In plain English
To give something a push forward so it keeps moving or growing.
What does "help along" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To support a person in making progress toward a goal or recovery.
"The physiotherapist helped the patient along with gentle exercises after the operation."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To help something or someone move along a path.
Actually means
To give something a push forward so it keeps moving or growing.
Usage tip
Often used for processes, projects, or people's progress. Implies a helpful, supportive role rather than doing something for someone entirely. Common in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "help along"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
process recovery career project negotiations development
How to conjugate "help along"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
help along
I/you/we/they
3rd person
helps along
he/she/it
Past simple
helped along
yesterday
Past participle
helped along
have + pp
-ing form
helping along
continuous
Hear "help along" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "help along" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.