When writing or speaking in English, the choice between "help" and "helps" might seem straightforward, but it's actually a topic that often trips up both native speakers and language learners. The correct usage depends on whether you're using "help" as a verb or a noun, as well as the subject of the sentence. So, when should you use "help" and when should you use "helps"? Let's dive in to understand this better.
Initially, let's establish the basic form of the verb "help". In its base form, it is 'help', not 'helps'. Now, when we move on to the present tense of this verb, things get a bit confusing because forms of the verb 'help' remain the same for all subjects regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural. This is unlike most other verbs, which change their form based on the subject. Hence, both 'help' and 'helps' are correct in the present tense.
Using "Help" as a Verb
"Help" as a verb means to render assistance or aid to somebody or something. When we use it in the present tense, it follows the same form regardless of the subject. This means that whether your subject is singular (like 'he', 'she', or 'it') or plural ('they' or 'we'), you would use 'help'.
For instance, "She helps her mother with the grocery" and "They help the community by planting trees" are both grammatically correct. Here, 'helps' and 'help' are functioning as the main verb in their respective sentences.
Present Tense: Help or Helps?
Let's consider two scenarios where these two forms are interchangeable due to the subject-verb agreement rule in English grammar.
For a singular subject, the verb helps stays as 'help'. So, "She helps her friends every day." is correct. For a plural subject, the verb remains 'help'. Hence, "They help their friends every day." is also correct.
Consistency is Key
Even though both 'help' and 'helps' are correct in the present tense, it's crucial to maintain consistency throughout your writing or conversation. Using 'help' for all present tense verbs regardless of the subject might be a safer choice to avoid confusion.
Moreover, in the other tenses (past, future, or perfect), the verb 'help' does change its form based on the subject, making 'helped', 'suits helped', 'will help', etc., necessary.
Using "Helps" as a Noun or an Adjective
Now, coming to another aspect, "help" also functions as a noun or an adjective. When used as a noun, "help" refers to the act of assisting someone. And as an adjective, it describes something that is helpful or beneficial. In both cases, the word doesn't change its form and isn't governed by the subject-verb agreement rule.
For instance, "The help that he provided was invaluable." and "A helpful service for the elderly." are both correct. Here, 'help' is functioning as a noun and an adjective respectively.
In conclusion, while 'help' and 'helps' can mean the same when used as a verb in the present tense, the correct usage largely depends on the subject of the sentence. Educating oneself on English grammar rules and subject-verb agreement can help you master the correct usage of these terms. Keep practicing and remember: consistency is key!
