"helpful to" vs "helpful for"

Question

"helpful to" vs "helpful for"

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

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

Use 'helpful to' when describing the recipient of the help. For example, 'The advice was helpful to me in solving the problem.'

Examples:

The tutorial was helpful to the students.
The new software was helpful to the team.
Her guidance was helpful to him.

Alternatives:

beneficial to
useful to
aided
assisted

Use 'helpful for' when describing the purpose or benefit of the help. For example, 'The new tool is helpful for increasing productivity.'

Examples:

This book is helpful for learning English.
The training program is helpful for improving skills.
The extra practice is helpful for mastering the technique.

Alternatives:

beneficial for
useful for
good for
effective for

Answer 1

helpful to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

helpful for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"helpful to" vs "helpful for"

helpful to

helpful for

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