aid

A person who receives aid receives help.

• To afford college, most students need some kind of financial aid. (financial help)
• Aid was provided to a woman who lost her husband.
• People involved in a car accident were given first aid by paramedics.
• Rescuers came to the aid of a man who was lost in the wilderness.
• The starving people were in need of aid.

This word can also be used as a verb:

• Society should aid those* who are in need of care.
• Donations will aid those affected by the earthquake.
• Medicine aided the people who were afflicted with the virus.
• Family members of crash victims were aided by local residents.

A very slight difference in spelling is used when referring to a person who provides professional assistance. In this case the word "aid" has an "e" at the end of it.

• A nurse’s aide helps nurses in a hosital.
• A personal aide provides daily assistance to a person who is very elderly or in a wheelchair.
• Aides to the president of a large company helps out with all sorts of small and large tasks.

Note: The word "those" is often used in place of the word "people."

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April 1, 2015