I haven't been of help vs I haven't been of helpful

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I haven't been of help' is more commonly used to express that the speaker has not been useful or supportive, while 'I haven't been of helpful' is less common and may sound awkward to native speakers.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 1570 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express that the speaker has not been useful or supportive.

"I haven't been of help"

This phrase is used to convey that the speaker has not provided assistance or support in a particular situation.

Examples:

I'm sorry I haven't been of help during this difficult time.
I feel like I haven't been of help in solving this problem.

Show examples from the web [+]

Ig the truth is, I have a lot of help.
I've been of help to you. I have fulfilled my's your turn now.
Cause you don't have the kind of help that I have at work.
No, no, don't worry about it. I have plenty of help.
I mean... I mean, I have grief group, which sort of helps.
But it is also necessary to provide aid to build up the SMEs, thereby providing the possibility of help by self-help.
Hunter brought you here to help me, but I don't need that kind of help.
This should be turned into a kind of help desk with a website where one in four Europeans and their families can seek help when they suffer from mental health problems.
When Byung-woon needs help, I have to help him.
I have medicinal that could help.
I have medicinal that could help.
That explains the cries of help we heard from the girls.
I need that kind of help.
Those ladies are a lot of help.
I stumbled onto something - that may be of help.
Someone needs a bit of help.
You're not in the crosshairs of her laser beam of help.
The kind of help only she can provide.
You need a spot of help with that.
Dr. Edison's got plenty of help.

Alternatives:

I haven't been helpful
I haven't been much help
I haven't been very helpful
I haven't been much of a help
I haven't been much of a help in this situation

This phrase is grammatically correct but less commonly used. It may sound awkward to native speakers.

"I haven't been of helpful"

This phrase can be used to convey that the speaker has not been supportive or useful, but it is less common than 'I haven't been of help.'

Show examples from the web [+]

The last thing you need now is one of helpful Mom's guilt trips.
The good news is, I'm getting a lot of helpful feedback.
The oil companies have a lot of helpful websites.
A lot of helpful information there.
Dad, that was the antithesis of helpful.
Dad, that was the antithesis of helpful.
I'm full of helpful little tips.
Parliament has made a number of helpful and practical suggestions to improve the proposal.
You know, there's these practice tests in here, and they're kind of helpful.
That's me, all sorts of helpful.
And I don't suppose he left a bunch of helpful clues just lying around.
When Obi-Wan came to Luke on this very spot, he gave him all sorts of helpful advice.
And since this is a top consumer programme full of helpful buying advice, I thought it would be a good idea to see which one of them is best.
As you know, my presence tends to be the opposite of helpful around the two of them.
This report takes proper cognisance of developments and suggests a number of helpful steps forward and I welcome it wholeheartedly.
I hope I have been helpful.
Well, I haven't exactly been helpful.
And that I have a very helpful husband.
Since the debate - yesterday in fact - I have received a very courteous and helpful letter from Mr Barnier indicating that the Commission is moving our way on this.
I have heard that in moments of diplomatic tension, it is often helpful to find elements of commonality.

Alternatives:

I haven't been helpful
I haven't been much help
I haven't been very helpful
I haven't been much of a help
I haven't been much of a help in this situation

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

I haven't been of help vs I haven't been of helpful