July 30, 2011 - Word of the Day: help

The most common meaning for the word "help" is the act of providing assistance; however, there are a few other, unusual meanings for this word.

When "help" is used as a verb with "can't," it indicates a person has lost self-control:

• He needs a cigarette. He can't help himself. (He can't stop smoking.)
• She can't help herself when it comes to food. (This sounds like she can't prevent herself from eating. She eats too much, and she can't stop.)
• I can't help it anymore. I need to get out of the car. (A person can't continue doing something and must change the situation.)

You can also use "help" as a verb when telling someone to take something for himself or herself:

• If you want more to eat, just help yourself. (Go get the food for yourself.)
• The thieves helped themselves to all the money in the cash register. (They stole some money.)
• You can help yourself to an enormous amount of free information and education on the internet.
• Help yourself to some tomatoes.

When used as a noun, the word "help" refers to people who work for others; employees.

• They need to find more help for the kitchen.
• It's hard to find good help these days.
• We need to hire more help.
• Click on "help" to find out how to fix this. (There's always a "help" link when using a computer. This might connect you to a live person, but it's usually a collection of answers to frequently asked questions -- FAQ's.)

When used as an adjective, "help" refers to people who provide assistance:

• You need to go to the help desk for more information.
• The Help Center is open if you need assistance.

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