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 • 1582 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

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