To give assistance to someone who needs it, especially in a difficult situation.
To help someone when they need it.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To assist someone who needs help, especially on a temporary or occasional basis.
"Could you help me out with these boxes? They're too heavy to carry alone."
If you see somebody falling down, help them out.
— Barack Obama, commencement address, 2016
To contribute work or effort, especially to ease a burden shared by a group.
"All the neighbours helped out after the flood damaged several homes on the street."
To provide financial assistance to someone in need.
"My parents helped me out when I lost my job and couldn't pay the rent."
Extremely common in everyday spoken English. Can be used with or without a direct object ('Can you help out?' or 'Can you help me out?'). Friendly, informal tone.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "help out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.