Gerund Word Explorer
Formal or informal

Help or assist

Help

Everyday and neutral: works almost everywhere.

Can you help me carry these books?

Assist

Formal: offices, announcements, job letters.

Staff at the help desk will assist you.

Remember: Help works everywhere. Assist sounds official, as in announcements and job roles: "Teaching Assistant".

Short lessonFormal or informalWe speak differently to friends, teachers and officials. This change in style is called register.

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Check or verifyEveryday and neutral.Formal or informalAges 15–20Ask or enquireEveryday: speech, class, messages.Formal or informalAges 15–20Start, begin or commenceEveryday: speech and messages; fine in most writing too.Formal or informal