"be helpful to" vs "be helpful for"

Question

"be helpful to" vs "be helpful for"

Both 'be helpful to' and 'be helpful for' are commonly used in English, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Be helpful to' is used when talking about the recipient of the help, while 'be helpful for' is used when discussing the purpose or benefit of the help.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

Use 'be helpful to' when you want to indicate who is receiving the help or assistance.

Examples:

Her advice was very helpful to me during a difficult time.
The new software will be helpful to the employees.
The map was helpful to the tourists in finding their way around the city.

Alternatives:

beneficial to
useful to
aiding
assisting

Use 'be helpful for' when you want to indicate the purpose or benefit of the help or assistance.

Examples:

This book is helpful for learning new vocabulary.
The training program will be helpful for improving your skills.
The extra practice was helpful for achieving a higher score.

Alternatives:

beneficial for
useful for
aiding in
assisting with

Answer 1

be helpful to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to the recipient of the help.

Answer 2

be helpful for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to the purpose or benefit of the help.

"be helpful to" vs "be helpful for"

be helpful to

be helpful for

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