"helps protect" vs "helps protecting"

Question

"helps protect" vs "helps protecting"

Both "helps protect" and "helps protecting" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Helps protect" is the more common and natural choice when followed by a noun, while "helps protecting" is used when followed by a gerund (verb form ending in -ing).

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

Use "helps protect" when followed by a noun to indicate that something or someone provides protection. It is a common phrase in English.

Examples:

Wearing sunscreen helps protect your skin from the sun.
Regular exercise helps protect against various diseases.
Using a password helps protect your personal information.
Vaccination helps protect against certain illnesses.
Installing a security system helps protect your home from intruders.

Alternatives:

provides protection
offers protection
ensures protection
guarantees protection
safeguards

Use "helps protecting" when followed by a gerund to indicate that something or someone assists in the action of protecting. It is less common than "helps protect."

Alternatives:

assists in protecting
aids in protecting
contributes to protecting
supports protecting
facilitates protecting

Answer 1

helps protect

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

helps protecting

This phrase is correct when followed by a gerund (verb form ending in -ing).

"helps protect" vs "helps protecting"

helps protect

helps protecting

Related Comparisons